Kew experts warn hottest summer on record is altering autumn colour

Following the UK’s hottest summer on record, experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew warn extreme heat and drought are likely to have a significant impact on autumn colour.

Kew’s 11,000 trees showcase species from every corner of the world. Each autumn, the Gardens transform with vibrant scarlets from the red oak (Quercus rubra), russet tones from the pin oak (Quercus palustris), and bursts of orange, yellow and purple from the berries of Viburnums and rowans (Sorbus species). But this year, the picture is more complex. Many trees across the country have already shed their leaves early in a phenomenon dubbed “false autumn” – a stress response to extreme heat and drought.

“We may not see the usual blaze of colour all at once,” says Kevin Martin, Head of Tree Collections at RBG Kew. “False autumns are a warning sign. Trees are long-lived organisms but they are under pressure from a rapidly changing climate. At Kew we’re studying which trees can thrive in a warmer, drier UK to guide future conservation and urban planting.”

While we may not see a synchronised display of colour due to early leaf loss, Martin remains hopeful for a strong October show from individual trees thanks to recent rainfall, and some species may put on an even more impressive display than usual. Wandering along the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens offers a birds-eye view of the entire 320 acres which changes quickly during this season as the leaves begin to fall. Meanwhile, a walk through the Arboretum enables you to crunch through copper-coloured leaves and gaze up at an ever-changing canopy. By November, the Gardens shift into their quieter winter beauty, with fallen leaves underfoot, seed heads and seasonal interest in the Grass Garden, and the first snowdrops appearing in the Rock Garden.

At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, maples (Acer 'Sango-kaku') in the Iris Dell continue to put on a show throughout October, alongside Chinese Swamp Cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) and Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distichum). The Water Gardens remain a hub of vibrant autumn colour with multi-stemmed Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) in the Woodland Garden turning buttery yellow, complementing the deep red of the Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) near the Dipping Pond later in the season. Across the wider landscape, autumn brings golden birches in Bethlehem Wood and mirror-like reflections across Westwood Lake. 

What else is on at Kew this autumn?

Alongside colourful horticultural displays, a jam-packed programme of events promises something for everyone at Kew and Wakehurst this autumn:

Material World | Temperate House | until 2 November | supported by Cazenove Capital | Included with entry

This autumn, discover Material World, a festival of art, fashion and horticulture inside the stunning Temperate House. This thought-provoking exhibition dives into the fascinating connections between textiles, plants and sustainability, exploring the hidden stories behind everyday materials. Drawing from Kew's renowned scientific collections, Material World explores the intertwined threads of nature, culture and creativity, and allows us to discover how we can all wear a more sustainable future.

Material World After Hours will see the Temperate House transformed on 10, 11, 17 & 18 October, from 6.30pm – 10.30pm. Suitable for adults aged 18+ only. Pre-booking essential.

The Singh Twins and Flora Indica | 11 October 2025 – 12 April 2026 | Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art | Included with entry

This autumn in Kew’s Shirley Sherwood Gallery, discover two complementary exhibitions that explore the complex colonial history of botanical art through both historical and contemporary lenses. In Gallery 5, Botanical Tales and Seeds of Empire by internationally acclaimed artists The Singh Twins showcases a striking new body of work inspired by Kew’s botanical archives. 

Flora Indica: Recovering the lost histories of Indian botanical art, displayed in Galleries 1–4 will be the first-ever public display of 52 rediscovered botanical illustrations by Indian artists commissioned by British botanists between 1790 and 1850.

To tie in with the exhibitions, acclaimed chef Anjula Devi will curate a selection of dishes for visitors to enjoy, available in Kew’s Pavilion Bar & Grill from 11 October – 14 November. 

Halloween at Kew | 17 October – 2 November | Timed entry, pre-booking essential 

This October, Kew Gardens will transform once more into a ghostly, glowing adventure, brought to you by the producers of Christmas at Kew. As night falls over the Gardens, explore one of London’s best Halloween events with this eerie illuminated trail.  Watch out for tricks in the forgotten fairground and beware the monsters lurking in Frankenstein’s laboratory. As you wind through the haunted woods, be careful of giant spiders waiting in creepy cobwebs, ghastly ghouls and wicked witches. 

Zog | 18 October – 2 November | 10am – 3.30pm (4.30pm at Wakehurst) | Included with entry

This autumn, set off on an outdoor adventure inspired by Zog, the bestselling children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Taking place across the beautiful autumnal landscape of both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, this interactive trail invites families to explore the story’s themes of perseverance, friendship, and teamwork while making muddy memories and embracing the elements.

Wakehurst

Wakehurst’s autumn highlights include sweeping vistas reflecting off tranquil waters, and a tapestry of golden leaves putting on a display throughout the woodlands. Adventurers are rewarded with magnificent trees on display - golden British birches in Bethlehem Wood, and bronze Japanese maples around the Water Gardens and Mansion Pond.

Across the gardens, the shapes of weird and wonderful fungi present a myriad of opportunities to interact with nature in new ways. In the Children’s & Community Garden, new vegetable beds proudly display the season’s harvest – come and spot our oddly-shaped Tromboncino squash and myriad of seasonal vegetables. Visitors bringing furry friends can take in the best of Wakehurst’s woodlands along the dog-walking route, from evergreen Wollemi pines and redwoods to the first signs of changing leaves and autumn fungi. The picturesque Westwood Lake nestled at the bottom of the valley is ideal for adventurous explorers, with the lake’s reflections creating the perfect spot to watch the seasons change.. In the Winter Garden, November brings the vibrant red of dogwood and glistening silver of the birches, carefully planted to create an immersive experience. 

As Autumn draws in, we start preparations for Glow Wild, and this year our award-winning winter light trail returns with a new seed-inspired chapter featuring audio vignettes from Wakehurst Ambassador Cate Blanchett. Now in its twelfth year and celebrating 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, Glow Wild weaves science with storytelling across a trail of newly commissioned, handcrafted installations from award-winning artists and local makers, including our biggest installation ever.