Chimes Tower District

Amsonia hubrichtii was named  “Perennial Plant of the Year” by the Perennial Plant Association in 2011. This species is truly distinctive and extraordinary, with clusters of powder-blue flowers in April and May. It grows to a height and width of 2 to 3 feet. In the fall, its golden-orange color rivals the best trees and shrubs. This clump-forming herbaceous perennial prefers full sun to partial shade and is native to the central and northeastern United States. Additionally, it is deer and disease resistant.

This orchid was once more common in southeastern Pennsylvania, but has become rare due to habitat loss. Lady’s slipper orchids can be incredibly long-lived; the plants seen here were planted in the Garden in 1963.  The greater yellow lady’s slipper was the first species entered into Longwood’s plant conservation program.

Paeonia obovata carries a quieter kind of intrigue compared to its showier garden relatives. In Japan, where it is known as a woodland peony, it has long been appreciated for its natural, almost understated elegance and is often associated with mountain landscapes and contemplative garden settings. One of its most fascinating features comes after flowering: the seed pods split open to reveal a vivid mix of glossy blue-black fertile seeds and bright red sterile ones, thought to mimic berries and attract birds for dispersal. This unexpected burst of color has made it as valued for its seed display as for its flowers.