National status awarded to 'unique' plants at Kenilworth Castle garden
Kenilworth Castle has been awarded National Plant Collection status by Plant Heritage for its collection of hardy Agastache plants - a group of 50 unique cultivars of an aromatic, pollinator-friendly flower.
Known as Korean mint or giant Hyssop, their distinctive liquorice-like scent and upright spiky flowers, in a wide range of colours, from blues, to orange, to pink, and make a striking focal point in the Edwardian Garden around Kenilworth Castle’s gatehouse.
Native primarily to North and Central America, Agastache are at their best between June and October.
Drought-tolerant and valued for their long-lasting blooms, the Kenilworth collection is made up of hardy cultivars that can be grown outdoors throughout the winter.
Phillip Corrall, gardens supervisor at Kenilworth Castle said: “It has always been my dream to have a National Plant Collection and gathering it together has been a real labour of love, so we are delighted for Kenilworth Castle to be recognised with national plant collection status.
"At English Heritage we care for over 400 of England’s most important historic buildings like Kenilworth Castle.
"We are also privileged to have a number of historic gardens at our sites, which we tend with as much love and care as the buildings and it’s really rewarding to be playing our part in contributing to plant conservation.”
Kenilworth Castle’s one acre walled garden was created by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester in 1575 as a love letter to Queen Elizabeth I and one time childhood friend, no expense was spared.
In today’s money Robert Dudley would have spent millions on his attempt to tempt the Queen into marriage.