What’s in Bloom

Considered the "Queen of Flowers" by European explorer Robert Schomburgk, Victoria amazonica was named in honor of Queen Victoria who took the throne the same year the genus Victoria was described.  Native to northern South America, it took some years before the royal water-platter was in cultivation in Europe.  But when it arrived, Victoria became so popular that the leaf inspired architecture including the Crystal Palace that housed the Great Exhibtion of 1851.

Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia ‘Sioux’ is a deciduous ornamental tree valued for its vibrant pink blooms, smooth mottled bark, and attractive summer foliage that turns reddish-orange in fall. Blooming from mid to late summer, ‘Sioux’ offers long-lasting color and thrives in full sun with good heat and drought tolerance. This cultivar was developed by the U.S. National Arboretum and named ‘Sioux’ in honor of the Native American Sioux Nation, as part of a series recognizing Indigenous tribes. Its upright, multi-stemmed form and resistance to powdery mildew make it a outstanding choice for both home landscapes and public plantings. Check out other cultivars of Lagerstroemia throughout the gardens! 

Laurus nobilis or bay laurel is a fragrant, evergreen tree or a large shrub, native to the Mediterranean region. Preferring well-drained soil in full sun, bay laurel is usually grown in containers in temperate climates, since it is not winter hardy. It is typically trained as a topiary in various shapes for patios, herb and formal gardens. The aromatic, glossy leaves of bay laurel are known for their culinary uses in the kitchen, often added to soups and stews. Its leaves and branches are also known to have been used for creating wreaths and crowns worn to symbolize victory or honor.

Nymphaea 'Antares' was developed at Longwood as part of the Gardens breeding program in 1962. The flowers are a glowing iridescent red, hence its name which was chosen in reference to Antares, the largest star of the Scorpius constellation, classified as red star because of its temperature. Large, 8-inches-wide flowers open in the evening, when its namesake appears on the night sky, and stay open until the following morning. Its leaves are green suffused with purple and irregularly dentate along the margin. As one of the tropical varieties, 'Antares' needs to be overwintered indoors in temperate climates.

‘Blue River II’ is a hardy, rose mallow hybrid with large flowers to 10 inches across that blooms from July to September.  These flowers, which attract hummingbirds, are pure white, where as many rose mallow flowers have a deep red center.  'Blue River II' can grow to 5 feet tall and wide and performs best in moist soils and full sun. You may associate hibiscus with tropical plants, but within the parentage of this hybrid rose mallow are species of hibiscus native to the eastern United States.

Butterfly-weed is a type of milkweed that is native to North America. It grows in open, upland woodlands, dry fields or prairies, and on rocky slopes or glades. This clump forming perennial has orange, occasionally red or yellow, flowers that bloom from late May until August, and which attract butterflies, as well as bees and nectar-loving flies.

Culver’s Root, is a tall, graceful native perennial celebrated for its elegant spires of tiny white to pale lavender flowers that bloom in midsummer. These slender, candelabra-like flower spikes rise above whorled leaves on sturdy stems, adding vertical interest to meadows, prairies, and pollinator gardens. It is a magnet for a wide range of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, moths, and wasps, and is especially valuable for specialist pollinators. Look for a variety of cultivars on display in other areas of the gardens.  

Native to the eastern United States, Clethra alnifolia ' naturally grows in moist woodlands, along streambanks, and in coastal wetlands. A Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant winner, the cultivar 'Ruby Spice' was selected for its fragrant, deep rosy-pink flower spikes that bloom in mid- to late summer, attracting a diversity of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Tolerant of wet soils, shade, and summer heat, Its glossy green foliage turns golden yellow in autumn, while its tolerance of wet soils and partial shade makes it well suited to gardens throughout the Mid-Atlantic!

This striking ornamental plant flaunts large, trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers that unfurl in the evening and release a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Native to tropical Asia but beloved worldwide, 'Belle Blanche' thrives in warm climates and can grow as a showy shrub or small tree. But beware, every part of this plant is toxic, so admire it with your eyes, Its stunning blooms and bold presence make it a favorite for moon gardens and nighttime pollinators.

Commonly known as spotted Joe-Pye weed, Eutrochium is a hardy native perennial valued for its tall, elegant presence in the garden. Native to eastern North America, it can reach heights of 4 to 7 feet. From mid to late summer, it produces large, dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Beyond its striking appearance, this species plays a vital ecological role by supporting biodiversity and contributing to healthy habitats. It thrives in well-drained soils with full to partial sun, and its sturdy, spotted stems, attractive foliage, and late-season blooms offer lasting visual interest. Be sure to explore other species and cultivars of Joe-Pye weed blooming throughout the gardens!

Pycnanthemum muticum is an underused plant, native to Eastern North America and can be found growing in open grassy places such as meadows and fields. The leaves, when crushed, give off a minty aroma similar to spearmint. This plant can be used to make tea, and was traditionally used by indigenous people for treating illnesses such as fevers, colds, and other physical ailments. While not particularly showy, this plant is very popular with pollinators, particularly bees, and is a vigorous and easy grower. Mountain mint is an outstanding filler plant in a flower arrangement! 

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Sommersonne’; a profusion of showy yellow blooms in the Hillside Garden

Phlox paniculata is a perennial species native to the United States and grows in open woodlands, thickets and meadows.  'David' is a white-flowering selection which grows to a height of 25 to 40 inches, in partial shade or full sun, and blooms from late June until early September. Phlox paniculata 'David' was discovered in 1987 by F.M. Mooberry, respected native plant horticulturalist and former Horticultural Coordinator at the Brandywine Conservancy in Chadds Ford, PA.  Recognizing its horticultural potential, she named the cultivar 'David' in honor of her husband. This selection has since become renowned for its mildew resistance (a common issue with phlox), and has been widely propagated and celebrated in gardens across the United States.  

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' is a well-known cultivar selected by Proven Winners for its reliable performance and striking blooms. Originally developed in the Netherlands, it features large, upright panicles of flowers that open a distinctive pale green in midsummer before gradually shifting to creamy white, pink, and rose tones as the season progresses. This deciduous shrub is adaptable to a variety of soil types and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Growing 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, 'Limelight' is appreciated for its strong stems, long bloom period, and suitability for both garden use and cut flower arrangements.