Conservatory District

Aerial view of large conservatory complex with a glass ceiling

About This District

Wander through wondrous spaces under acres of glass, taking in the sweeping views of lush foliage and a kaleidoscope of color. Witness the beauty of otherworldly plant species, some of which have been with us since the Conservatory’s 1921 debut. Allow yourself plenty of time to linger, explore, and marvel at the expertise involved in the creation of our dazzling displays.

 

a lush green walkway in the conservatory with hanging baskets and columns covered in green

Gardens in this District

  • Acacia Passage
    sun shines through glass windows into a long hallway with green plants, yellow flowers, and hanging baskets

    Acacia Passage

    From the pendulous branches of the Acacia leprosa, puffs of sunny yellow emerge in February and March—offering a very welcome burst of optimistic color and fragrance amidst winter’s muted tones.

  • Cascade Garden
    A winding path cuts through a glasshouse filled with bold tropical leaves, finely textured glaucous plants, and columns of stone and plantings.

    Cascade Garden

    Inspired by an equatorial coastal rainforest, elemental simplicity reigns in the sole North American garden design by esteemed 20th-century landscape architect, artist, and activist, Roberto Burle Marx (1904-1994). A profusion of plants, water, and stone come together to envelop the senses, immersing you in a verdant mosaic of lush splendor. 

  • East Conservatory
    Sun. streams through the glass ceiling of a conservatory on a pathway lined with green bushes and tall plans with a hanging lamp

    East Conservatory

    Experience an unparalleled sensory journey through lush plantings, soaring classical architecture, and tranquil water features, including waterfalls, pools, and fountains under a half-acre of glass.

  • East Conservatory Plaza
    Two people sit along levels of freshly cut grass in the summer with green tress behind

    East Conservatory Plaza

    A feat of artistic vision and expert engineering, five tiers of sweeping, grass-covered terraces emerge like steps from the land, providing a grand transition from the forest to the Conservatory.

  • Green Wall
    A luscious wall of green ferns and other plants lines a hallway of doors

    Green Wall

    When nature calls, don’t miss this fern-laden glen of lush, vertical vegetation planted along 4,000 square feet. At the end of the hallway, a circular reflecting pool of marble awaits your gaze.

  • Indoor Children’s Garden
    a small fountain in the middle with building structures and green trees surrounding it

    Indoor Children’s Garden

    Let your kids get lost in a lush jungle of draping vines, drooling dragons, and secret stairways. Take a breather on a nearby bench as they shake their sillies in this whimsical realm of discovery.

  • Historic Main Conservatory
    A stone walkway leads between two garden beds of red and green plants with a green hanging backset and curved window in the distance, all under a glass conservatory

    Historic Main Conservatory

    In this ever-changing indoor space of perpetual bloom and uncommon, elegant beauty, familiar specimens flourish alongside mature trees and hanging baskets of intricately grown flowers, while a sunken marble pool and lush green lawns beckon.

  • Orchid House
    Sun shines through glass and a metal trellis filled with orchids and green plants

    Orchid House

    Our new Orchid House is an open, gallery-like space with a new glass roof and restored interior and exterior concrete. Hundreds of orchids displayed in custom frame trellises and our restored bronze case showcase the beauty and diversity of our renowned orchid collection.

  • Silver Garden
    morning sun shines through glass windows into a conservatory room filled with desert plants along a stone pathway

    Silver Garden

    Designed by Isabelle Greene, a meandering pathway of slate snakes through rocky outcroppings of spiky, textural plants in otherworldly hues of platinum, cool green, and soft blue.

  • Bonsai Courtyard
    Stately bonsai trees are displayed outdoors atop dark brown wooden stands, with the pointed arches of a large glass conservatory in the background

    Bonsai Courtyard

    Contemplate the interconnectedness of art, nature, and perseverance as you wander this 12,500 square-foot garden featuring a ever-changing display of miniature trees. Selections of great rarity, ancient beauty, and vibrant seasonal interest are thoughtfully curated and displayed, inviting guests to slow down and take in the meticulous details. 

  • Waterlily Court
    Broad view of one central round waterlily pool, surrounded by stone walkways, rectangular pools, and conservatory structures.

    Waterlily Court

    On View Now
    Showcasing aquatic plants from around the world, including South American water-platters and tropical waterlilies, this space invites an otherworldly experience of visual splendor and tranquility as you explore our stunning Conservatories. 

  • West Conservatory
    Cypress and Bismarkia trees rise above low planting beds and a central runnel

    West Conservatory

    A realm of unimaginable beauty and tranquility awaits beneath a soaring crystalline structure of contemporary design. Seemingly afloat atop sleek pools of water, airy pathways meander through colorful gardens inspired by the sun-kissed, Mediterrean regions of the world. 

  • West Conservatory Plaza
    a glasshouse with a multi-peaked roof rises from a wide green lawn dotted with fallen autumn leaves

    West Conservatory Plaza

    A sweeping terrace offers picturesque views for which the Brandywine Valley is renowned. Meandering pathways lead guests to expansive vistas, including a stand of 19th century sycamores and rolling, open meadows, marrying the native landscape with contemporary architecture. 

Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience

Our legacy of innovation continues with the most ambitious expansion, reimagination, and preservation of our Conservatory and surrounding landscape in a century.

For more than 115 years, we have harmoniously blended art and science to create a horticulture experience of unparalleled splendor. With the realization of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience—a sweeping reimagination of 17 acres of our Conservatory and grounds—we are honored to enhance, steward, and preserve one of the world’s most important, most beautiful collections of gardens and glasshouses.

Stunning new buildings, wondrous new indoor and outdoor gardens, surprising new guest experiences, and much more await your visit. We’ve expanded our grounds, connecting them from east to west in a beautiful, unified journey of lush, formal gardens to open meadows to winding paths to breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas. We’ve preserved and enhanced our cherished spaces to better showcase and grow our outstanding collections. We’re reflecting our founder’s vision and embodying our mission to create a world apart accessible to all for the celebration and enjoyment of horticulture. We've entered our next chapter … with you.

What’s in Bloom

  • Tall spike of tinny purple, pink, and white flowers that darken on the way down

    Pineapple-lily

    Eucomis ′Oakhurst′

    Eucomis is a bulb with a flower reminiscent of a pineapple, hence its common name, pineapple-lily.  Native to southern Africa, pineapple-lily blooms in summer for several weeks.  This selection, ‘Oakhurst’, features dark foliage and stems.  Pineapple-lily grows in full sun and well-drained soil and is hardy to USDA zone 6, although protection from too much winter moisture will help prevent rot.  

  • Bottlebrush-spikes, of very fragrant creamy white flowers.

    Sweet Pepperbush

    Clethra alnifolia ′Hummingbird′

    ‘Hummingbird’ is a dwarf selection of the deciduous shrub Clethra alnifolia that displays full-size flowers on a compact three foot plant. The flowers release a wonderful scent when the upright panicles bloom from July to August. Sweet pepperbush prefers moist soil in dappled sun but will tolerate a little less light or even full sun and is hardy from USDA zones 4 to 9.  This American native is deer resistant and is a vigorous spreader.  It also attracts butterflies. You can't but enjoy the fragrance of Clethra alnifolia  'Hummingbird' when you step into Peirce's Woods!  

  • Bromeliads growing up a wall

    Lutheria

    Lutheria 'Splenriet'
  • Pink hanging flowers

    Hybrid Rose-grape

    Medinilla ′Royal Glow′
  • Clustered pink five peddle blooms with white centers

    Egyptian Star-cluster

    Pentas lanceolata ′Bunnie du Pont′
  • Trumpet-shaped, sulfur-yellow flowers in clusters.

    Southern Bush-honeysuckle

    Diervilla sessilifolia 'Butterfly'

    Commonly known as Southern Bush Honeysuckle, a hardy, low-maintenance native shrub celebrated for its bright yellow summer blooms and red-orange fall foliage. This cultivar is a magnet for pollinators—especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Unlike true honeysuckles, it’s non-invasive and thrives in tough conditions, including poor soils and drought. Its dense habit provides valuable cover for small birds and other wildlife, while its nectar-rich flowers support vital pollinator populations throughout the growing season.

  • Cluster of purple and white Orchid flowers

    Orchid

    Phalaenopsis Jiuhbao Fairy 'Angel'
  • Clusters of small cream flowers fill tree canopy

    Chinese Scholar-tree

    Styphnolobium japonicum

    Styphnolobium japonicum, commonly known as the Chinese Scholar tree, is a deciduous species valued for its graceful form, late-summer blooms, and cultural significance. Native to China, it has long been associated with Buddhist temples, where it is often planted as a symbol of peace, resilience, and spiritual reflection. Its clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers provide a vital late-season nectar source for pollinators, while the tree’s structure offers habitat and shelter for various bird species. This specimen which resides on the west side of the Small Lake is the Pennsylvania State Champion, meaning it is the largest of its species in the state. The last time it was officially measured the tree stood 77 feet in height!