Knap Hill

Knap Hill is a place name primarily associated with a prominent hill in Wiltshire, England. It is best known as the namesake for a type of hybrid azalea developed in the early 20th century.

Knap Hill (Wiltshire Hill):

• Knap Hill itself is a prehistoric site, featuring a Neolithic causewayed enclosure. This type of earthwork consists of a series of segmented ditches, broken by causeways, forming a roughly oval or circular enclosure. The site provides archaeological evidence of early human activity and ritualistic practices. It is located near Alton Barnes and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Knap Hill Azaleas:

• The term "Knap Hill" is most widely recognized in the horticultural world in reference to a group of deciduous azalea hybrids. These azaleas were developed primarily at the Knap Hill Nursery, located near Woking, Surrey, England, in the early 1900s by Anthony Waterer. The breeding program emphasized vibrant flower colors, large blooms, and strong fragrance.
• Knap Hill azaleas are noted for their hardiness and relatively late flowering period, extending the azalea season. They are generally robust plants, suitable for a range of garden conditions, although they prefer acidic soil.
• The Knap Hill hybrids have become highly popular and are widely available through nurseries worldwide. They have also been used extensively in subsequent azalea breeding programs, contributing to the diversity of azalea cultivars available today.