Plant and Flower Guides

• Over 265,000 annuals planted (900 varieties)
• 188,000 annuals started from seed
• 58,000 plants purchased as rooted vegetative cuttings or plugs
• 19,000 plants produced from own cuttings
• 185 hanging baskets
• 280 varieties of Roses
• 70 varieties of Begonias
• 40 varieties of Geraniums
• Over 100 varieties of Dahlias

The exact peak of the autumn colours is variable; as the weather begins to cool in October, the days grow shorter and the nights get longer, chlorophyll in the leaves begins to break down. This allows the carotenoids to show through delivering orange and yellow hues on the leaves. The vibrant reds derive from anthocyanin. All this just intensifies as the month of October progresses. The best fall colours derive from cooler sunny days and cool crisp nights.

The winter months are quiet and peaceful with unexpected wonders and a reflective time to enjoy the landscape and structure of the century old garden and the indoor showcase ‘Spring Prelude’.

• 180,000 biennials
• 300,000 bulbs
• 92 varieties of Narcissus (80,000 bulbs)
• 191 varieties of Tulipa (160,000 bulbs)
• 88 other spring bulbs such as Hyacinthus, Crocus, Scilla and Fritillaria (60,000 bulbs)
• Over 50 varieties of Iris
• A stunning collection of more than 40 different Paeonia varieties
• Over 280 varieties of Rhododendron and an estimated 2000 shrubs

• Our stunning lawns are a seed blend of 50% perennial Rye, 30% Kentucky blue and 20% Fescue.
• The lawns are mowed twice per week during the spring and summer months. The striped lawn effect is obtained by a heavy roller.
• Organic fertilizer is applied 3-4 times throughout the growing season. Our annual maintenance includes aeration, overseeding, top dressing with sand followed with organic fertilizer.

The Butchart Gardens embraces a holistic approach to protect plants within our landscape. We are able to achieve this through careful monitoring and timely release of beneficial insects, bacteria and fungi. Soil testing and composting compliments this approach along with planting species attractive to pollinators, creating a thriving habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects.

In an effort to protect our precious woodland, many drought tolerant species have been planted in our background. These trees include Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant sequoia), Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine) and Cupressus x leylandii (Leyland cypress).