What’s in Bloom

Southern magnolia, is a stunning evergreen tree native to southeastern United States, and admired for its massive, creamy white flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. It thrives in hot, humid climates and can even tolerate occasional drought. Its thick, glossy leaves and lemon-scented blooms have made it a beloved symbol of the South. The flowers are so large and fragrant that they’re pollinated by beetles, not bees because magnolias evolved long before bees even existed!

A North American native perennial celebrated for its fragrant clusters of pink to mauve flowers and its essential role in supporting wildlife. The plant is the primary host for monarch butterfly caterpillars, whose larvae feed exclusively on milkweed leaves and store the plant's toxic compounds as a defense against predators. In late summer, its distinctive seed pods split open to release silky, windborne seeds, creating a familiar seasonal spectacle. Although once considered a weed of fields and roadsides, common milkweed is now recognized as one of the most important plants for pollinator conservation. 

Longwood Hybrid Aquatic Canna ‘Endeavor’ is a vigorous aquatic canna that produces brilliant red flowers above lush green foliage reaching five feet or more. Developed at Longwood by geneticist Dr. Robert Armstrong and colleagues, it originated from crosses between the aquatic species Canna glauca, acquired from Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, and terrestrial hybrid cannas. Named for a famous ship, ‘Endeavor’ reflects Longwood’s legacy of plant exploration and breeding innovation and remains a vibrant feature of the Gardens’ summer water displays.

Bottlebrush buckeye is a native deciduous shrub of the eastern United States that grows to 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide. In early summer, it produces 12-inch, bottlebrush-like panicles of white flowers that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and butterflies and contrast beautifully with its mounded habit. Its palmately compound leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn. A low-maintenance, suckering shrub it thrives in partial shade and moist, acidic soils and is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8.

Commonly known as Southern Bush Honeysuckle, a hardy, low-maintenance native shrub celebrated for its bright yellow summer blooms and red-orange fall foliage. This cultivar is a magnet for pollinators—especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Unlike true honeysuckles, it’s non-invasive and thrives in tough conditions, including poor soils and drought. Its dense habit provides valuable cover for small birds and other wildlife, while its nectar-rich flowers support vital pollinator populations throughout the growing season.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas Halo’ is an exceptional selection of the smooth hydrangea, a species native to the eastern United States. Discovered as a chance seedling in the Pennsylvania garden of Joan Haas and selected by plantsman, educator, and native plant advocate Frederick Ray, it is valued for its enormous, flat-topped lacecap flower clusters, which can reach 14 inches across. Unlike the mophead blooms of many cultivated smooth hydrangeas, its lacecap flowers are composed mostly of tiny fertile florets surrounded by larger sterile ones, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Sturdy stems and handsome blue-green foliage make ‘Haas Halo’ as resilient as it is spectacular.

Named for its deeply lobed, oak-like leaves, oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is prized for its multi-season interest. Unlike many hydrangeas with rounded flower heads, it bears cone-shaped panicles of white flowers that age to pink or tan and produces brilliant red, purple, and maroon fall color. Its exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark adds winter appeal. Native to the woodlands of the southeastern United States, this low-maintenance shrub thrives in shade and supports birds, bees, and butterflies.

With their intricate, nectar-rich, tube-shaped flowers, many Grevillea species have evolved to attract long-billed birds, making them a striking example of co-evolution between plants and pollinators. Native to Australia but now grown worldwide, grevilleas have been valued as ornamentals and for their durable wood, earning some the nickname “the Australian timber that traveled the world.” Aboriginal peoples have long used various Grevillea species, and many are remarkably resilient, with seeds that survive bushfires and sprout in the fire's wake.

Known for their beauty, the highly ornamental flowers of lotus are extremely fragrant and symbolic in many cultures.  Emerging from the murky waters into the bright clear day is how Nelumbo nucifera, also referred to as the sacred lotus, first became a symbol of enlightenment. The fact that the sacred lotus is able to emerge without any trace of the muddy depths from which it was born is how it became associated with purity. Further elevating its sacred status, it’s reputed that Buddha rose up from the heart of a lotus bud more than 2,500 years ago!

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.  

Petraeovitex bambusetorum, commonly referred to as the Nong Nooch-vine, is a rare and ornamental woody climber native to parts of Southeast Asia. It is notable for its attractive, arching flower spikes that feature golden yellow blooms. The plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), although its appearance and bamboo-like stems distinguishes it from most members of the family. It gained attention and its common name from the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Thailand, where it has been cultivated and displayed. This vine prefers tropical to subtropical climates, thrives in warm, humid conditions, and is often used as a botanical curiosity in specialty gardens or collections.

The International Waterlily and Water Garden Society hosts an annual New Waterlily Competition each year.  Longwood served as the official site and grower for the competition from 2016 through 2018 when waterlily hybridizers from around the world sent their best new creations to be judged. ‘Pink Silk’, bred in Thailand, was awarded best new intersubgeneric waterlily in 2017.  This hybrid demonstrates outstanding qualities of both hardy and day-blooming waterlilies, which are included in its parentage.