What’s in Bloom

The poinsettia was introduced to this country from Mexico in 1825 by Joel Poinsett. The botanical name for the poinsettia is Euphorbia pulcherrima, meaning the most beautiful Euphorbia. The showy colored parts of poinsettias that most people think are the flowers are colored bracts (modified leaves). Poinsettias are cold sensitive, so they cannot be used in cold drafty areas. Poinsettias are not poisonous, although they can cause an upset stomach if eaten. We use a variety of Euphorbia species and cultivars in the Christmas display and throughout the year, and in the permanent plantings collection.

Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America, thriving in wetlands and moist woodland edges. Unlike most hollies, it drops its leaves in winter, leaving behind bright red berries that stand out against bare branches. The berries persist into winter, providing an important cold-season food source for birds like cedar waxwings and robins. Beyond its wildlife value, the berry-laden branches make a striking addition to Christmas displays, adding natural color and festive charm when most plants have gone dormant.

Euphorbia fulgens, often called scarlet plume or Mexican fireplant, is a striking ornamental species valued for its long, arching stems lined with vivid red, orange, yellow, or white bracts (modified leaves). Native to the mountain regions of southern Mexico, it grows in rocky, well-drained habitats where bright days and cool nights help fuel its fiery coloration. In its natural environment, it typically blooms from late summer through winter, with peak flowering often occurring in the fall, which is why it has become a popular seasonal plant in cultivation. Though it looks delicate, this Euphorbia is tougher than it seems, thriving in warm indoor spots and blooming for months when happy. A favorite among florists for its wispy and colorful attributes.  Check out other cultivars in bloom Throughout the Conservatory! 

Hippeastrum is a bulb native to tropical South America, celebrated for its tall stems and large, star-shaped blooms, fitting, since its name means “horse star” in Greek. It is often associated with pride, determination, and radiant beauty. Its tall, majestic stem and striking blooms symbolize strength and determination, making it a perfect gift for someone facing a challenge or embarking on a new journey! Commonly mistaken for true amaryllis, this bulb is remarkably easy to grow indoors. Plant it with the top third exposed, keep the soil lightly moist, and give it bright light. After flowering, the long, strap-like leaves help recharge the bulb, so continue watering and feeding until the foliage naturally dies back. For reblooming, allow the bulb to go dormant by keeping it cool, dry, with no water for about 8–10 weeks. With just a little care, Hippeastrum will reward you year after year with a burst of tropical brilliance. 

Native to rainforests in Brazil, Schlumbergera grow as epiphytes, mainly on trees or shrubs but sometimes in shady places among rocks.  They do not have true leaves but flattened succulent stems.  Schlumbergera flowers bloom directly from the stems at the nodules and come in a variety of colors.  The hybrid ‘Thor Carmen’ is a tough houseplant that has showy flowers that bloom in the late fall, usually around Thanksgiving, hence the common name Thanksgiving cactus.  Sometimes confused with the true Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), however, one can tell them apart because the Thanksgiving cactus has claw-like appendages on its stems that resemble crab claws.

Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum' grows as a three-foot silver mound and is considered smaller than the species. It has leaves that are gray green above and silver white beneath, which gives the whole plant a silvery appearance. Deep blue flowers bloom at branch tips in the summer-fall. It attracts pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the plant’s nectar-rich blooms. The shrub’s dense growth also provides shelter for small birds and insects, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. In addition to its beautiful flowers, the plant has aromatic grey green leaves that release a pleasant scent when brushed or crushed, adding a sensory element to your garden.

 

Commonly known as Christmas Pride, this outstanding shrub is valued for its large, tubular magenta flowers that appear mainly in the cooler months. It is native to Brazil, where it grows in warm, humid environments with partial shade. In cultivation, it’s appreciated for its steady bloom cycle, attractive foliage, and ability to draw pollinators such as hummingbirds, making it a dependable ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. Plant enthusiasts can find this plant readily available in the trade.  Ideal for containers, where it becomes an eye-catching feature on the patio.

Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) is a classic evergreen shrub admired for its glossy, deep-green leaves and elegant winter-to-spring blooms, which range from simple, single flowers to full, rose-like doubles in shades of white, pink, and red. Native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China, it has been cultivated for centuries in temple gardens and shaded woodland settings. In modern gardens, it’s valued for its long lifespan, graceful structure, and ability to brighten cool seasons when few other plants flower. Given the right conditions, acidic soil, consistent moisture, and protection from harsh afternoon sun, it becomes a reliable, year-round ornamental with a refined, timeless presence.

Fortunella margarita, commonly known as a kumquat, is a slow-growing shrub or small tree up to 10 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves, and fragrant white flowers, appearing in April and May, followed by fruit from October to December. The fruits are similar to oranges but much smaller and oval and a single plant can produce thousands of fruits in a year. Both the rind and the pulp are edible.   The fruit has been very popular in China since the 12th century, but was introduced into the North America only in the mid-19th century. Hardy to zone 8, it is native to the broad-leaved evergreen forests in southeastern China. 

Floral Trees are cut green trees with added hardware constructed to support flowering plants like poinsettias or begonias which are carefully placed among the branches. The irrigation for the flowering plants is integrated in the structure. Longwood's talented metal fabricators designed and developed this form. Look for all four Floral trees in our Orangery, each featuring a different poinsettia cultivar!