Our Plants

The plants and trees of Longwood, with the allure of their ephemeral beauty, bring us together to experience a spectacular ensemble of gardens and landscapes.

When we visit, we are united by the memories we share, by the stunning surroundings, and by the living network that is here for everyone to enjoy. 

What's in Bloom

See More of What's in Bloom

  • Large-flowered Climber Rose

    This old-fashioned, climbing rose is the oldest rose growing in our formal Rose Garden, which was first planted by our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, in 1938.  ′Direktor Benschop′, also known as City of York, has a semi-double, fragrant white flower that blooms profusely in early June and then sporadically throughout the season.  It is also known to have dark green glossy foliage, and grows well in full sun and well-drained soil.

  • Kentucky Lady's Slipper

    This globally rare native, terrestrial orchid species has the largest flower in the genus Cypripedium.  These orchids were grown from seed and took five years to bloom.  In the wild, mycorrhizae are critical to the survival of orchids.  The plants parasitize the fungi and use them as a food source both while the seedlings are developing and as adult plants.     

Learn More With Our Plant Database

From in-bloom flowers to just-ripening fruits, each and every efflorescence can be found in our plant collections database. Time your trip around unfurling petals or reflect on the names of what you saw in a particular garden.

Explore

Discover Iconic Plants

Blooms in Action

Watch this stunning collection of time-lapse images of some of our iconic plants coming into bloom, captured by former research intern Ty Seely.

Camellia Breeding Process

Learn about the goals and process of our camellia breeding program.

Sensational Sprout

See our titan arum’s amazing transformation in this timelapse video.

A Fine Vine: Clematis

Join Jeff Jabco, an instructor in our Continuing Education program, as he showcases the top five Clematis in this year’s International Trial.

Everything’s Coming up Roses

Enjoy a walk through our Rose Arbor, showcasing the vibrant pink Rosa ‘American Pillar’.

Pierre’s Poplar

Meet one of the tallest trees at Longwood Gardens—and get a bird’s eye view as Longwood’s Arborists attempt to measure this champion tree.