Plant Heritage urges North Devon gardeners to save endangered plant species

Plant Heritage, the horticultural conservation charity, is calling upon passionate gardeners across North Devon to play an important role in the preservation of endangered plant species by starting a National Plant Collection. 

Without care, the charity has said many of these plants are at risk of disappearing from gardens and nurseries, potentially lost forever if they fall out of fashion or become unavailable.

Plant Heritage was founded in 1978 and has since grown into a thriving community dedicated to the conservation of garden plants, especially those under threat from habitat loss, climate change, emerging pests, diseases, or changing trends.

For North Devon, the call is particularly urgent for the protection of specific plant groups, including:

• Barnstaple: Astilbe (Marwood Hill Gardens)
• South Molton: Buddleja and Leucanthemum
• Holsworthy: Allium schoenoprasum & tuberosum, and Epimedium
• Great Torrington: Cornus (RHS Rosemoor)
• Winkleigh: Cyclamen
• Torrington: Jovibarba heuffelii
• Bideford: Lupinus (Westcountry Nurseries)

Plant Heritage have said that there is an environmental importance of all 15 plant groups listed for this year. 

They say many of these plants are fundamental sources of nectar for a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. 

The list features plants like Agastache, which attracts bees and hoverflies, Argyranthemum with its long blooming season, Caryopteris, crucial for wildlife in late summer, and Phlomis, whose seed heads provide food for goldfinches and siskins in autumn.

Gwen Hines, CEO at Plant Heritage, said: “Recognising plants that aren’t currently protected by being part of a National Plant Collection is hugely important. Many people may not realise that plants considered to be thriving might actually be at risk in the future if they don’t become part of an ongoing conservation scheme today.”

Since 2016, Plant Heritage has spotlighted numerous plants needing protection, resulting in the establishment of 12 different collections, including hollyhocks and Hoya. 

Most recently, a collection of fragrant Daphne was accredited in March and now flourishes at RHS Garden Wisley, having previously been listed as a Missing Collection.

The UK boasts over 700 National Plant Collections, encompassing more than 95,000 plants. These collections range from garden staples like dahlias and roses to edible herbs and houseplants. 

They are maintained by individuals, specialist nurseries, gardening groups, botanical gardens, heritage estates, universities, and even zoos.

These collections form a vital resource in adapting to and mitigating climate change challenges.

Gwen added: “Collections are much more accessible than we think. Anyone can be a collection holder – you don’t need to have a huge garden or acres of space, we only ask that you have a passion for plants and conservation. We have some stunning collections held inside homes, greenhouses and conservatories, showing that collections can be successful anywhere.”

To learn more about starting a National Plant Collection or to join the Plant Heritage community, visit www.plantheritage.org.uk