The aim of the National Plant Collections is to have plants grown and researched to the highest standard
There is more to a National Plant Collection than plants. Collection holders need to be aware of pest and diseases, make sure their plants are correctly identified and labelled. In many cases, they become the authority on the nomenclature (naming) of the plants in the National Collection.
More details can be found in the Resources for Collection Holders section. This page contains links to general advice that would be relevant to anyone, whether a National Collection holder, a Plant Guardian, someone who gets a free plant from our annual Plant Exchange, or a keen gardener looking to understand the plants in their garden better.
Simon Lockyer with Primula auricula (Doubles) collection, Chelsea 2018
Plant legislation
National and international legislation covers plant collection, cross border plant movement, invasive species and Plant Breeders' Rights
Plant health advice
Pests and diseases are one of the biggest threats to plants in the UK. Awareness of problems and good biosecurity measures can help
Peat in horticulture
Plant Heritage's peat statement and advice and case studies on moving to peat free growing
Contribute to a herbarium
Plants preserved in herbaria are available to study for generations and anyone can contribute.
Desiderata plants
Can you help National Collection Holders find plants that they are looking for? See the list here.