Explore Longwood Gardens

Closeup of small bright pink roses against dark green foliage.
Cathy Matos

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

View All Gardens
  • 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

    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

  • Satsuki Hybrid Azalea

    The Satsuki azalea is a highly valued, late-blooming evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (heath) family. Its name translates to "fifth month" in Japanese, a reference to its flowering season. A cornerstone of Japanese gardens and bonsai cultivation, Satsuki azaleas are renowned for their large, showy blooms that appear in late spring to early summer, extending the azalea season after most varieties have finished flowering. Their most remarkable characteristic is the extraordinary diversity of flower patterns and colors. A single plant and sometimes even a single branch may produce blooms with stripes, flecks, borders, or solid colors in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. Their naturally compact growth, shallow fibrous root system, tolerance of pot culture, and ability to respond well to pruning have made Satsuki azaleas among the most celebrated and widely cultivated flowering bonsai in the world. This amazing exhibit is on display through June 16th!  Also, be sure to explore the Bonsai Courtyard to view our exquisite collection of bonsai . 

  • Oak Leaf Hydrangea

    Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly known as oakleaf hydrangea, is one of the few hydrangeas native to the southeastern United States. Named for its large, oak-like leaves, this versatile shrub provides interest in every season. In early summer, it produces striking cone-shaped clusters of white flowers that gradually age to shades of pink and tan, often persisting into winter. The foliage turns brilliant shades of burgundy, red, and purple in autumn, while the cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark adds winter appeal. 'Snow Queen' is considered one of the finest selections for its exceptionally large, upright flower clusters and outstanding fall color. Unlike many hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangea tolerates drier conditions once established and thrives in woodland settings, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic landscapes. Its long season of interest, native heritage, and value to pollinators have made it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers alike.