What’s in Bloom

The bright red berries produced in the fall, are a high-fat food source for over 36 species of birds, including wild turkeys, cardinals, and robins.  The tree supports more than 100 species of moths and butterflies, which lay their eggs on dogwood leaves—making it essential for local food webs. Because it flowers early, it’s also a critical nectar source for pollinators just coming out of winter dormancy. In fact, its ecological value is so high that Cornus florida is often promoted in native plant gardening for habitat restoration.  While the tree is too small for lumber, dogwood wood is incredibly hard and dense. It’s been used historically for golf club heads and handles for tools and knives. 

This display of bonsai, on loan from the Kennett Collection, features early spring blooming Kurume azaleas, known for their bright flower colors and evergreen foliage. Also know as Japanese azaleas, this type of hybrid has been grown in Japan since as early as the late 1600's.  Obtained as full-sized shrubs from Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, these Kurume azaleas were given to the United States from France as part of the Centennial celebration.  Grown in the clump style, training began in 1980.  

Mertensia virginica is native to the woodlands of the eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian and Ozark regions. It’s often found in moist, shady areas along streams or in deciduous forests.  The vibrant blue bell-shaped flowers start as pink buds and gradually turn to a striking blue as they mature. This color transition is a unique feature that adds even more interest to this early blooming ephemeral. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the sweet nectar. The plant’s blossoms are especially favored by the fritillary butterfly, which often lays its eggs on the plant.

Commonly known as the white trillium or large-flowered trillium, a stunning wildflower that is native to eastern North America.  Known for its striking, three-petaled white flowers, which give it a distinctive and elegant appearance. The flowers typically turn pink.  The name "trillium" comes from the Latin word "trillium," meaning "three," which reflects the three petals, three sepals, and three leaves that all make up this flower's structure. It’s a prime example of the number three in nature!  The white trillium is one of the most iconic wildflowers of spring and is sometimes referred to as the “queen of the woodland flowers.” It’s commonly seen in forested areas, where it creates a beautiful carpet of white flowers in the spring.

Eastern redbud is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario and New York south to Florida and west to Texas. It is especially valued as an understory species, naturally occurring along woodland edges and in open forests where it thrives in dappled light. One of its most striking features is cauliflory, the unusual habit of producing clusters of rosy-pink to lavender flowers directly along its branches and trunk in early spring, before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. This adaptation not only enhances visibility to early pollinators such as native bees but also allows the tree to maximize reproductive success in shaded habitats. As a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), eastern redbud is capable of forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, helping it tolerate a range of soil conditions. Its ecological role, ornamental appeal, and adaptability have made it a staple in both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens throughout its native range.

Providing a splash of bright color in the spring woodland, celandine-poppy has 2 inch wide deep yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. It likes moist, dappled shade. The stems, deeply lobed leaves, and flower buds are pubescent. They grow to be 1.5 feet tall at maturity and self-seed easily. This plant is native to Pennsylvania and the rest of the eastern US.

 

Tower-of-jewels is native to the Canary Islands, specifically the island of Tenerife.  The seeds of this plant first came to Longwood in 1983 and it took extensive research on how to grow it until it was first displayed in the the Conservatory in 1991.  

Diplacus is a species native to coastal and inland regions of California and parts of the western United States, where it naturally occurs on dry slopes, coastal scrub, and rocky, well-drained soils. In these Mediterranean climates characterized by mild, wet winters and long, dry summers, the species has evolved several key survival strategies, including slightly sticky foliage that helps reduce water loss and deter herbivores, as well as a deep and adaptable root system suited to drought conditions. Its flowers are adapted for pollination by hummingbirds and bees, reflecting a co-evolution with local pollinators. 

This wisteria, native to Japan, is highly prized for its very long, fragrant racemes of flowers in late spring. The flowers do not all open at once, but begin to open at the base of the raceme and open progressively to the tip.

We herald spring’s arrival with thousands of tulips beautifully displayed along our Flower Garden Walk and throughout the Idea Garden. Tulips are organized into 15 divisions based on flower shape and origin. ‘Big Love’ is a Darwin hybrid tulip. This division has cup-shaped flowers on tall, strong stems and is one of the most popular tulip types. Come visit during peak season for the tulips!