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

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
    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

  • Bulbinella

    Bulbinella latifolia ssp. doleritica features long narrow leaves that grow in dense rosettes. The flowers are bright yellow-orange and appear in tall spikes. Doleritica refers to its preference for dolerite, a type of volcanic rock found in eastern regions of South Africa. This plant thrives in the nutrient-poor soils formed from these rocks, showing how plants can adapt to very specific ecological niches. Well-adapted to survive in drought conditions, it stores water in its fleshy roots, which helps it endure long dry spells common in its natural habitat. The bright tubular flowers are adapted for bird pollination, particularly for sunbirds that are attracted to their color and nectar.


     

  • Florist's Cyclamen

    Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a charming cool-season plant loved for its upswept, butterfly-like flowers and beautifully marbled, heart-shaped leaves. Blooming in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, it brings cheerful color when many plants are resting. Cyclamen persicum is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, especially Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and surrounding areas, where it grows in cool, shady woodlands.  As a houseplant, cyclamen prefers bright, indirect light, cool temperatures (50–65°F), and well-drained soil. Water carefully from the base or saucer to avoid wetting the crown, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy. With the right care and a cool spot, florist’s cyclamen will reward you with weeks to months of colorful blooms, even when many other houseplants are taking a break. Visit the Conservatories to see a variety of colorful florist's cyclamen in bloom!