What’s in Bloom

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!

Longwood Gardens celebrates a long history of growing, hybridizing and displaying waterlilies going back to 1956. This diverse collection, consisting of some of the finest tropical and hardy waterlily hybrids, is a mainstay of the Waterlily Display during the summer months at Longwood, and is accredited as one of the best waterlily collections by the Plant Collections Network in 2012.

The name Helianthus comes from the Greek words helios, meaning "sun" and anthos, meaning "flower."  The flowers, which are comprised of yellow ray and small disc florets, attract bees and later in the fall and winter, birds will eat the seeds.

Scarlet Rose Mallow also known as Texas star hibiscus, is a striking native perennial prized for its bold, star-shaped scarlet red flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall. Towering up to 6–8 feet tall, it adds dramatic height and color to pond edges, and moist borders. This heat-loving plant is a favorite among pollinators, especially hummingbirds and large butterflies, drawn to its vivid blooms. Its flowers also attract bees. Despite its exotic appearance, scarlet rose mallow is easy to grow making it a stunning and ecologically beneficial addition to native plant gardens. 

This tall, native wildflower is distinguished by its open flower clusters of a rich violet color, and coarse, linear leaves. Vernonia can grow to six feet tall in height and can be found growing along roadsides, in flood plains, moist meadows, marshes, old fields, thickets, and along stream banks. New York ironweed prefers full sun to part shade with slightly acidic, fertile, consistently moist soil. The flowers are held above the foliage from late summer to early fall and attract butterflies such as skippers.

Hardy begonia, is a shade-loving perennial native to China and Japan, valued for its ability to thrive in temperate gardens, unusual for a begonia. A member of the Begoniaceae family, ‘Alba’ features elegant, heart-shaped green leaves with striking red veining on the undersides and delicate clusters of nodding white flowers that bloom from midsummer into fall. The flowers are edible, with a slightly tangy, citrus-like flavor, making them a charming garnish for salads or desserts. Unlike most begonias, this variety dies back in winter and re-emerges from bulb-like tubers in spring, adding graceful texture and late-season interest to shaded gardens or woodland borders. It can be a bit assertive in the garden, spreading readily, so watch out if you want to keep it contained! Check out the straight species Begonia grandis, with light pink flowers growing in the Peony Garden, and Hillside Garden & Chimes Tower.  

The Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid’ is a giant waterlily developed in 1961 at Longwood Gardens by horticulturist Patrick Nutt, who crossed Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana to create what would surpass its parents in vigor, flower, leaf size, and cold-tolerance. The genus Victoria was named in honor of Queen Victoria during the 19th century, when the plant’s discovery in the Amazon captivated Europe with its enormous floating leaves and dramatic, night-blooming flowers. The hybrid continues that legacy with massive blooms that open white on the first night, releasing a sweet, pineapple-like fragrance to attract scarab beetles, then reopen pink on the second night. Since the beetles are native to the Amazon, Longwood staff must hand-pollinate the flowers to ensure seed production and maintain the collection. The ‘Longwood Hybrid’ remains a living tribute to botanical innovation and the era that first celebrated its wonder.