King Charles is known for his passion for organic and sustainable living, and his Highgrove Estate is the perfect example. The gardens are designed to be both visually stunning and ecologically responsible, incorporating plants that support biodiversity, attract pollinators, and thrive naturally in the British climate.
With this in mind, Solar Panel Funding has spoken to gardening professional Edward Langley, who keeps in daily contact with the Royal Gardeners at Highgrove. He shared five of the most essential plants that define the royal landscape, including the flower that is said to be the King’s favourite.
Edward says that delphiniums are one of the most iconic flowers in the Highgrove flower beds. Back in 2020, the Royal Family Twitter account revealed that these are King Charles’s favourite flowers as part of a #MyChelseaGarden thread.
The then Prince of Wales said that the plant “holds pride of place” in his affection for flowers. He also told BBC Radio 4: “I have an absolute passion for delphiniums – and I’ve always had it. There’s something about those Edwardian watercolours… To me, gardening is rather like painting. You need to get the paint on – and not muck about.”
Wisteria
According to Edward, wisteria is one of the most stunning features at Highgrove. These stunning flowers can be found along Highgrove’s south-facing wall, where they form an elegant floral cascade. Their fragrant purple blooms make them a favourite for both visual appeal and attracting pollinators.
If you plant them in your own garden, ensure that they are in a particularly sunny part, as these flowers require around six hours of sun a day. They are also a rather high-maintenance plant, but there are ways to ensure your wisteria thrives in abundance.
“Honeysuckle plays a major role in the Sundial Garden at Highgrove, where it’s used to create natural climbing walls and archways,” says Edward. “Its sweet fragrance and ability to attract bees and butterflies make it a vital part of King Charles’s biodiversity-focused gardening approach.”
Jasmine
Jasmine is another climbing plant found in the gardens at Highgrove. It is often planted alongside honeysuckle and wisteria to create a multi-layered, fragrant floral display. Given that it can even thrive in sheltered areas, it’s the perfect plant for enclosed gardens and patio areas – just ensure that it is regularly watered.
Ferns
Sharing that ferns are a staple of Highgrove’s Stumpery Garden, Edward says: “They are used to create a Victorian woodland-inspired setting among fallen tree stumps. Their ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments makes them perfect for British gardens.”