JC Raulston Arboretum | Raleigh

JC Raulston Arboretum, located at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the most diverse and research-driven botanical gardens in the Southeastern United States. Managed by North Carolina State University (NC State), it spans approximately 10.5 acres and is dedicated to the evaluation, display, and promotion of plants suitable for landscape use in the region. The arboretum functions as both a public garden and a scientific resource, emphasizing ornamental horticulture, conservation, and education.

Historical Background

The arboretum was founded in 1976 by Dr. James Chester Raulston, a horticulture professor at NC State. He recognized the need to expand the palette of plants used in the Southern landscaping industry, which at the time was limited to a small number of commonly grown species. He began planting diverse species in what was originally a test site behind the university’s horticulture department.

Dr. Raulston's philosophy, "Plan and plant for a better world," inspired the garden’s mission to introduce and trial new ornamental plant species. After his sudden death in 1996, the facility was renamed the JC Raulston Arboretum in his memory. It remains a working research facility, public garden, and living classroom, actively supporting the nursery industry, home gardeners, and the general public.

Botanical Collections and Garden Features

The JC Raulston Arboretum is organized into multiple themed garden spaces and plant collections. Each is designed to showcase adaptability, beauty, and diversity for the southeastern U.S. climate. It currently hosts over 6,000 taxa (distinct types) of plants from more than 50 countries.

Key Garden Areas

Perennial Border Garden

Inspired by classic English garden design (notably Gertrude Jekyll), this garden showcases hundreds of herbaceous perennials arranged by bloom season and color.

Designed to offer color throughout the year with a dynamic composition of flowering and foliage plants.

Lath House

An open-air wooden structure that provides shade to more than 700 species of woodland and tropical shade plants.

Includes rare and experimental species not widely cultivated in open gardens.

Asian Valley

Designed to emulate the woodland understory of East Asia, this section features maples, hydrangeas, camellias, and ferns.

Highlights the genetic and ecological connections between Asian and North American plant species.

Japanese Garden

A serene space with traditional elements such as raked gravel, sculpted pines, bamboo, stone lanterns, and a small pavilion.

Reflects principles of Zen design with a strong focus on harmony and simplicity.

Finley-Nottingham Rose Garden

Contains over 200 rose bushes, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and climbing varieties.

Arranged in a formal circular layout, this garden displays fragrant and historic cultivars.

Model Gardens

Demonstration plots show how various plants perform under typical residential and commercial landscaping conditions.

Provides ideas for small-scale home gardeners using drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plants.

Conifer and Magnolia Collections

A strong focus on dwarf and unusual conifers, many of which are rare or underutilized in the South.

Magnolias from around the world are featured, including evergreen and deciduous species that bloom in all seasons.

Color Trials Area

Every year, hundreds of annuals and tender perennials are grown and evaluated for their landscape performance.

The garden is an official trial site for the All-America Selections (AAS) program.

Research and Horticultural Importance

As a part of NC State, the arboretum serves as a testing and development site for ornamental plant breeding and introduction. New cultivars are often trialed here before release to the nursery industry.

Plant trials evaluate performance in local soil, humidity, drought conditions, and winter hardiness.

Introductions from JC Raulston Arboretum have significantly impacted the diversity of plants available in Southern nurseries.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The arboretum is a vital educational center offering programs for professionals, students, and the general public:

For Adults:

Workshops and Lectures: Topics include sustainable landscaping, pruning, propagation, native plants, and garden design.

Plant Identification and Propagation Classes: Hands-on courses led by university horticulturists.

Gardening in the South Series: Seasonal classes tailored to beginners and intermediate gardeners.

For Children and Families:

Youth Education: Camps, workshops, and homeschool days designed to foster curiosity in botany and ecology.

Family-friendly events: Scavenger hunts, butterfly days, and story walks.

Special Events:

Raulston Blooms!: Annual spring festival with plant sales, live music, food, and family activities.

Moonlight in the Garden: A nighttime fall event featuring illuminated garden paths, light installations, and food trucks.

Friends of the Arboretum Plant Giveaway: An annual event where members receive rare and exclusive plants.

Visitor Information

Location: 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606 (on the western edge of NC State’s campus).

Admission: Free and open to the public year-round; donations are appreciated.

Hours:

April–September:

Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

Fri: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Sat–Sun: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM

October–March:

Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Amenities and Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout most garden areas.

Restrooms, drinking fountains, and shaded benches available.

Free parking on-site.

Service animals are allowed; pets are not permitted.

Conclusion

The JC Raulston Arboretum is more than a botanical garden—it is a dynamic intersection of science, education, and beauty. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, gardener, student, or casual visitor, the arboretum offers a profound experience of nature’s diversity and horticultural innovation. It plays a critical role in shaping the future of Southern gardening through its dedication to research, public outreach, and environmental stewardship.