London’s Royal Parks set out new climate-resilient planting vision
London’s eight Royal Parks are preparing for a major change in the way they are planted and cared for, with a new horticultural vision designed to respond to a warmer, wetter and increasingly unpredictable climate.
The Royal Parks charity says the strategy is the first time a single horticultural direction has been established across all eight parks. It will gradually move planting away from the predominantly Victorian palette that has shaped the landscapes for generations, introducing a wider range of plants able to cope with drought, heat, flooding and milder winters.
The approach, led by Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy, places greater emphasis on plant diversity, water efficiency and soil health. In central London, the urban heat-island effect has created conditions that can resemble a Mediterranean climate, making some traditional planting increasingly difficult to sustain.
Visitors will see the change through a series of major projects across the parks. In Hyde Park, the Rose Garden will be redesigned around Rosa persica varieties, roses originating in the Middle East that are better suited to heat and drought. Around 20,000 plants and as many as 100,000 bulbs will create a pink and purple landscape, while a new wisteria planting is planned for the existing pergola.
The Green Park will reference the lost River Tyburn with thousands of blue camassia bulbs, creating a seasonal ribbon of flowers across the park from April 2027.
At the Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens, heat-loving exotic plants will surround the historic urns, fountains and pools. Waterlilies and lotus will feature in the water, while two Chilean wine palms will stand beside the ornate pumphouse.
Greenwich Park is also developing a new landscape. Some 130 Prunus ‘Sekiyama’ cherry trees have already been planted on the hillside between the Grand Ascent and One Tree Hill. As they mature, they are expected to form a naturalistic valley of blossom, creating a two-week display of vibrant pink each spring.
The projects illustrate how London’s historic parks are being adapted without abandoning their distinctive character. Rather than simply replacing plants, the Royal Parks is using climate resilience, soil health and seasonal spectacle to shape how these landscapes will look and function for future generations.
For more, visit EyeOnLondon at eye-on-london.com
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos & updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
