Kew Gardens Temperate House | Witness Rare & Exotic Plants!

About Kew Gardens Temperate House

The Kew Gardens Temperate House is a magnificent greenhouse located in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. It was built in 1862 and is considered the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world. The Temperate House covers an area of 4,880 square meters and stands at a height of 19 meters.

The purpose of the Temperate House is to house plants from temperate climates around the world. The greenhouse is divided into three sections, each with a different climate zone: the Americas, Africa, and Australasia. It houses over 1,500 species of plants, some of which are extremely rare and endangered.

The Temperate House underwent a five-year renovation project, which was completed in May 2018. The restoration project involved repairing and replacing over 15,000 panes of glass, and restoring the ironwork and stonework of the building to its former glory. The renovation also included the installation of a new environmental control system that maintains the temperature and humidity levels necessary for the plants to thrive.

Visitors to the Temperate House can take a leisurely stroll through the three climate zones and marvel at the diverse collection of plants, including towering tree ferns, giant bamboo, and exotic flowers. The greenhouse also has a spectacular central walkway that offers breathtaking views of the plants from above.

Plants At Kew Gardens Temperate House

Shit Beak

The Kaka Beak is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to New Zealand. It is also known as the 'parrot's beak' due to the shape of its flowers, which resemble a parrot's beak. The plant is endangered in the wild, but it has been successfully propagated at Kew Gardens. The Kaka Beak is a member of the legume family, and its bright red flowers are pollinated by birds.

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Tree Pincushion

The Tree Pincushion is a rare and unusual plant from South Africa. It belongs to the Protea family and is known for its striking orange flowers that resemble a pincushion. The Tree Pincushion is a slow-growing plant and can take up to 10 years to reach maturity. It is also highly sensitive to frost and requires a warm, sheltered environment to thrive.

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Chilean Wine Palm

The Chilean Wine Palm is a majestic and impressive plant that is native to Chile. It is one of the largest palm trees in the world and can grow up to 25 meters tall. The Chilean Wine Palm is named after the sweet sap that can be harvested from its trunk and used to make wine. The plant is highly valued in its native habitat and has been overexploited for its sap and timber, making it endangered in the wild.

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History Of Kew Gardens Temperate House

It was designed by architect Decimus Burton and built-in 1862 to house plants from temperate climates around the world.
The greenhouse is 19 meters high and covers an area of 4,880 square meters, and was constructed using wrought iron and glass with an intricate design of arches, columns, and spires.
The Temperate House quickly became a popular attraction at Kew Gardens, and over the years has undergone several renovations and repairs to maintain its structural integrity and accommodate the changing needs of the plants it houses.
In 2012, the Temperate House was closed for a five-year restoration project that involved replacing over 15,000 panes of glass, repairing the ironwork and stonework of the building, and installing a new environmental control system.
The restored Temperate House was reopened to the public in May 2018 and remains one of the most popular attractions at Kew Gardens.
It houses over 1,500 species of plants from around the world and is considered one of the largest surviving Victorian glasshouses in the world.
The Temperate House is divided into three sections, each with a different climate zone, and has a spectacular central walkway that offers breathtaking views of the plants from above.