What to see in May
24 April 2025
Vibrant and dazzling displays meet you at almost every turn as you stroll around the winding paths of the gardens.
A trip to Furzey Gardens at any time of the year is special to many people, but the month of May is truly a beautiful sight as our rhododendrons and azaleas hit their peak season.
There are many different species and varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas at Furzey Gardens, ranging from large rhododendron trees and towering bushes to younger specimens just establishing themselves. Large rhododendron trees drape themselves over paths, providing a picturesque arch for visitors to walk through, whilst tall banks of blooms provide sheltered paths to walk through on windier days.
Rhododendron Cynthia hangs over the path
Bountiful blooms of pink azalea
Around the gardens plants to look out for are our Japanese evergreen azaleas which provide a patchwork blend of pinks, purples and reds and the honeysuckle azalea or Rhododendron luteum with its beautiful yellow blooms and delicious scent. Elsewhere, a subtler hue, but nonetheless striking can be found from rhododendron sappho with its large white flowers with deep purple blotches in the middle.
The varieties seem endless with big bold blooms and smaller more delicate flowers, we are sure that you will be dazzled by their displays and marvel at the intertwining branches below.
Rhododendron Sappho
Honeysuckle Azalea
In addition to our rhododendron and azalea collection, now is the time to enjoy a lovely selection of trees and shrubs including the last few days of display from of our magnolia sieboldii. Don’t miss the crinodendron hookerianum with its vibrant red blossom hanging like crimson paper lanterns. Also look out for an unusual tree that is particularly eye-catching during this month: the davidia involucrata. It was introduced in Europe from central China over 120 years ago by a famous plant collector, Ernest Wilson. This is a tree that goes by many names – the dove tree, the handkerchief and the ghost tree to name a few – due to its delicate white flowers that flutter like wings in the wind.
May also signals the start of our primula scattered around the borders, in particular look for primula pulverulenta with its stems of deep pink flowers grouped at intervals along the stem and our Bartley pink primula named after the nearby village.
Magnolia Sieboldii
A variety of primula candelabra with Gunnera in the background
If you are looking for a quiet and tranquil escape this May, Furzey Gardens is just the place. Visit midweek to enjoy a calm and relaxing escape from the day to day.
The gardens and tea rooms are open seven days a week, 10am – 4pm. During our peak season and throughout the summer we will no longer allow dogs in the gardens, only assistance dogs on a lead.