Head Gardener’s Highlights in the Arboretum This January
Discover what is beginning to flower and stand out across Batsford Arboretum this January
Although the weather remains cold and frosty, there are already many signs of life and colour emerging around the arboretum. Along Her Ladyship’s Walk, the main entrance path into the arboretum, hellebores, snowdrops, cyclamen and winter aconites are beginning to come into flower, providing welcome splashes of colour against the winter landscape.
Fragrance is a particular highlight at this time of year. The beautifully scented blooms of Daphne odora × bholua ‘Perfume Princess’, found at several locations throughout the arboretum, are especially striking. Other fragrant plants to look out for include Daphne bholua, Lonicera standishii (Standish’s honeysuckle) and Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), all dotted around the grounds.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) is also coming into its own, with delicate, spider-like flowers appearing on bare branches in shades of yellow, orange and red, adding interest to the late winter garden.
Early daffodils are beginning to make an appearance, with ‘January Gold’ traditionally among the first to flower. ‘Spring Dawn’ soon follows, displaying soft yellow and white blooms that hint at the arrival of spring.
Ornamental dogwoods (Cornus), grown for their colourful winter stems, continue to provide strong visual interest. Their vivid red, orange, yellow and acid-green stems stand out beautifully on dull winter days.
Snowdrops are becoming increasingly noticeable and are close to flowering in small areas across the arboretum. Over the coming weeks they will become more prominent, leading to impressive displays throughout January and into early February, particularly along the stream and in other sheltered areas.
Explore Gloucestershire
6 January 2026
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