What’s in Bloom

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. 

American holly is a large shrub or tree, generally pyramidal, with alternating spiny, evergreen leaves. In October, female plants produce red berry-like fruit that persists into winter. A nearby male pollinator is necessary for fruit production. This native species is cold hardy (USDA zones 5 to 9), tolerant of pollution, drought, and moderately wet sites, and is resistant to deer browsing. Planted in acidic, moist, well-drained soil, it will tolerate any light conditions but prefers full sun and protection from wind.

Floral Trees are cut green trees with added customized 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 staff have designed and developed this form. 

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 leucocephala is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae, a family of plants known best for their unique pseudo flowers called cyathia. What looks to be a single, normal flower is actually a cup-like structure resembling petals, which holds nectar glands, one extremely reduced female flower, and multiple male flowers. All Euphorbia have a poisonous milky latex used to deter herbivores, and due to this they should be handled with caution.

Osmanthus heterophyllus is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub, indigenous to Korea, Taiwan and Japan, with glossy, deep green leaves with spines that resemble hollies. The little white blossoms that appear in October and November fill the garden with fragrance.  ‘Gulftide’ is a selection that grows to 5 feet tall and 3 feet across. It thrives in either sun or partial shade, and any type of soil, even dense clay.  Holly osmanthus is not eaten by deer and has no serious pests or diseases and can be cultivated as an individual specimen, combined with other shrubs, or shaped into a lovely hedge.

Unlike the more familiar lavender varieties with narrow, needle-like leaves, Lavandula pinnata has deeply lobed, soft, downy, fern-like leaves. This plant has a pungently aromatic fragrance compared to other lavenders, as it can have a more herbal, slightly piney note, hence the "pine" in its botanical name. Unlike most lavender species, Lavandula pinnata is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It's one of the few lavenders that can thrive in warmer, humid climates. While not as widely used as Lavandula angustifolia (the common lavender used in essential oils), Lavandula pinnata still has medicinal and aromatic uses. Its oil can be used for calming and relaxation, and the plant itself can be brewed into a tea. Like other lavenders, Lavandula pinnata is generally pest-resistant due to its strong scent, which deters many insects. 

 

Dianthus barbatus, commonly known as sweet William, is a cheerful, old-fashioned garden favorite loved for its tight clusters of brightly patterned blooms in reds, pinks, purples, and whites. Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, this species has been grown in cottage gardens for centuries and was even said to be a favorite of King William II, which may be how it got its charming common name. Sweet William is a biennial or short-lived perennial, easy to grow from seed, and a magnet for pollinators like butterflies and bees. Its flowers are lightly clove-scented, a signature trait of many Dianthus species, and the petals are edible, often used to top salads or desserts with a pop of color and spice. With its long-lasting blooms and nostalgic charm, sweet William brings both history and happy color to the garden.

Euphorbia fulgens ′Quicksilver′ is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae, a family of plants known best for their unique pseudo flowers called cyathia. What looks to be a single, normal flower is actually a cup-like structure resembling petals, which holds nectar glands, one extremely reduced female flower, and multiple male flowers. All Euphorbia have a poisonous milky latex used to deter herbivores, and due to this they should be handled with caution.

One of the most interesting features of many Grevillea species is their intricate, tube-shaped flowers that attract specific pollinators. The flowers' long tubular shapes are ideal for birds with long beaks, while their colors and nectar production make them irresistible. It's a great example of co-evolution between plant and pollinator. Although the tree is native to Australia, it was originally introduced to many parts of the world, including Africa and the Pacific Islands, where it became an exotic ornamental plant. Because of its rapid growth and long-lasting wood, some people referred to it as the "Australian timber that traveled the world.“ The Aboriginal people of Australia have a long history of utilizing Grevillea plants in a variety of ways. Some species of Grevillea, particularly the larger, woody shrubs and trees, have a remarkable ability to regenerate after bushfires, which are common in Australia. Grevillea have adapted to fire-prone environments by having a "fire-resistant" seed bank. Even though the plant might burn down in a fire, the seeds in the soil are often able to survive the heat and sprout anew once the fire has passed. 

Coastal Elegance: “Pearls meet Squirrels” - We celebrate nature’s master jewelers—oysters—by transforming our wildlife tree into an enchanting undersea theme with shells and pearls. Volunteers handcrafted ornaments that double as a winter feast. Coconut shells brim with birdseed, fruits, and nuts; gilded cages hold suet balls; and bundles of millet and a variety of dried flowers adorn this 18-foot white fir (Abies concolor) offering a living buffet for our feathered and fur-covered guests. Wildlife visiting this tree are residents of our natural lands—more than 700 acres of open fields, forests, ponds, wetlands, and agricultural areas surrounding our formal gardens. Managed by our Land Stewardship and Ecology team, these lands offer vital year-round habitat and winter food for countless creatures. At this time of year, the abundance of grass, seeds, and nuts in the nearby Meadow Garden and Forest Walk helps wintering wildlife survive.  Our Longwood staff and volunteers collaborate to handcraft all decorations including the edible natural ornaments. Click on this link to find information on how to make edible ornaments: https://longwoodgardens.org/blog/2014-12-19/make-your-own-edible-ornaments .