Explore Longwood Gardens

Wide and soaring indoor view of glass house with arched glass roof, arched windows, lush greenery, floral accents, and a series of waterfalls flowing into a pathway of water.
Becca Mathias

Longwood Gardens, one of America’s quintessential landscapes, is a place of ever-changing seasonal beauty, handcrafted feats of horticultural wonder, and an awe-inspiring collection of the most beautiful plants from around the globe. 

From our humble beginnings as a Quaker farmstead and arboretum, to Pierre S. du Pont’s forward-thinking stewardship, to today’s collection of renowned landscape designers, horticulturists, and architects, our great garden of the world evolves and emerges again and again.

Through Longwood Gardens and its program of outstanding horticultural display, every visitor to the Gardens has the opportunity to gain, culturally and spiritually, a better peace of mind.

Russell J. Seibert, Longwood’s first director

Explore nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths to breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas. Together, mesmerizing displays, feats of engineering, and science-based research and conservation work harmoniously toward the overarching goal to unite and inspire our guests in appreciation of beauty—as only Longwood can. 

Explore Our Gardens

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  • Our Districts
    A stone path winds through a lush room of colorful plants with a hanging light above

    Our Districts

    Explore nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths.

  • Our Seasons
    looking through fall leaves to the canopy cathedral treehouse

    Our Seasons

    We honor the four seasons with five unique Longwood seasons, celebrating the bounty of our gardens throughout the cycles of renewal, growth, and ever-evolving splendor. 

  • Our Plants
    close up of orange Clivia Miniata with green and yellow center

    Our Plants

    Explore over 10,000 species and varieties of plants, representing 200 different plant families. 

  • Our Science
    A person holds a small vial with plant material inside in a lab

    Our Science

    Our scientific work lays the groundwork for discoveries that expand our understanding of the natural world and help perpetuate and celebrate its beauty for generations to come.

What's in Bloom

See More of What's in Bloom

  • Witch-hazel

    'Jelena' is an early-flowering selection of Hamamelis × intermedia, a hybrid between Japanese witch-hazel (Hamamelis japonica) and Chinese witch-hazel (Hamamelis mollis). These large, deciduous shrubs provide excellent winter interest with their slightly fragrant, coppery orange, spider-like flowers that start to appear in mid- to late January.  'Jelena' is easy to grow in full sun or part shade in well-drained soil.  The winter flowers are best illuminated by full sun and are best shown against a dark green background of conifers or broadleaf evergreens.

  • Oriental Hybrid Lily

    Oriental hybrid lilies are derived from species native to Japan and are prized for their dramatic presence and unforgettable fragrance. Typically growing 3 to 5 feet tall and sometimes taller under ideal conditions, they add height and elegance to the garden and are generally taller than most Asiatic lilies.  Blooming in mid- to late summer, Oriental hybrids flower just as Asiatic lilies begin to fade, extending the season of color. Their exceptionally large blossoms, most often in shades of white and soft pink, are intensely fragrant and make excellent cut flowers. Oriental hybrid lilies multiply more slowly than Asiatic varieties, gradually forming new bulbs over time. Occasional division every few years helps maintain plant health and prevent overcrowding.  Planting both Asiatic and Oriental hybrid lilies together provides a beautiful succession of blooms from early through late summer, along with an impressive range of color, size, and fragrance.