Explore Longwood Gardens

Young water-platter leaves emerge from the water as a green roll of prickle and soon transform into large, floating plates with an upturned rim.  Victoria platters grow at an astonishing rate. At maturity, the leaf can reach diameters of six feet and can support more than 150 pounds of evenly-distributed weight. Water-platters flower for two nights.  The first night flower is white and fragrant, while the second night flower is pink.
 

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as cardinal flower, is a striking perennial native to North America, celebrated for its vivid scarlet-red blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Typically found in moist environments like stream banks and wetlands, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow up to four feet tall. Its bright flowers bloom from mid to late summer, providing a vibrant splash of color when many other plants begin to fade. Despite its beauty, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, a natural defense that helps deter herbivores, like deer. Not only does it enhance garden biodiversity but it also plays an important ecological role in supporting native pollinators. A vibrant display of red lobelia catches the eye as you stroll near the Large Lake!