Featured Bloom
Coastal Plain Joe-Pye-weed
Coastal Joe Pye Weed, is a hardy, native perennial prized for its bold presence and ecological value in the garden. Native to the eastern coastal regions of North America, this compact species typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and is well-suited to smaller garden spaces compared to its taller relatives. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers that attract a wide array of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils and full to part sun, Coastal Joe Pye Weed is a valuable addition to rain gardens, meadows, and naturalized plantings. Its strong stems, attractive foliage, and late-season blooms provide lasting visual interest and support for native wildlife. Find other species and cultivars of Joe-Pye-weed in bloom throughout the gardens!
See what’s in bloom … and enjoy the beauty of our Gardens.
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Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ′DVP Pinky′ Pinky Winky™Blooming from mid summer to early fall, panicle hydrangea gets its name from its large, showy panicles of flowers. Leaving the dried flowerheads on the plant can add interesting forms and textures to the garden in winter. Combined with its long bloom time, panicle hydrangea offers nearly year-round interest. Find a variety of cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata as well as other species of Hydrangea in bloom throughout the gardens!
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Canna
Canna ′Brandywine′Longwood began breeding cannas in 1967, when it was realized that the cultivars available at that time were generally six feet or taller and not suitable for use on display. Between 1972 and 1985, twelve cultivars were selected for release, one being 'Brandywine' on display now in the Garden.
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Mussaenda
Mussaenda ‘Marmalade’Mussaenda ‘Marmalade’ is a vibrant tropical shrub prized for its striking ornamental appeal. This plant is known for its large, eye-catching bracts that range in warm shades of apricot, peach, and soft orange, resembling the color of marmalade, hence its name. These colorful bracts surround the plant’s small, star-like yellow flowers, creating a stunning contrast that lasts through much of the year in warm climates. Native to tropical Asia and Africa, Mussaenda thrives in full sun. In the Philippines, certain Mussaenda species are traditionally planted in cemeteries or near homes as symbols of remembrance and beauty. Their showy bracts, which look like petals, have led to them being associated with purity and gentleness. In other areas, their lush and constant bloom makes them symbols of vitality and resilience in tropical gardens.
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Straight Cactus Dahlia
Dahlia 'Lemon Tart'Dahlias are native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where they were cultivated by the Aztecs long before European contact, for their beauty, and also for their edible tubers and symbolic meaning. The Aztecs saw dahlias as a symbol of strength, dignity, and resilience. When Spanish botanists brought dahlias to Europe in the 18th century, they quickly captivated gardeners with their endless variety of shapes and colors. Today, the dahlia is Mexico’s national flower and a global garden favorite. Find a variety of dahlias on display throughout the gardens.
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Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinumMistflower is a vigorous grower, native to the eastern and central United States, which grows from rhizomes reaching a height of three feet. It is found naturally growing in moist soils located in bogs, ravines, banks of streams and lakes, in low woods, floodplains, along roads, and in ditches. The best conditions for this plant are full sun with moist soils; however, it can tolerate some occasional drought. Blue-violet disc flowers are arranged in dense racemes. This plant attracts scores of butterflies and also makes good long-lasting cut flowers.
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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.
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Chinese Scholar-tree
Styphnolobium japonicumStyphnolobium 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!
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Ruby Grass
Melinis nerviglumis ′Savannah′Melinis nerviglumis 'Savannah', commonly known as ruby grass, is a compact, clump-forming ornamental grass native to southern Africa. It features soft blue-green foliage that takes on rich red tones in the fall, adding seasonal color to the landscape. In mid to late summer, it produces showy, 3 to 4-inch-long plumes of ruby-pink flowers that gradually fade to creamy white and persist well into autumn. The airy blooms rise about a foot above the foliage, making them excellent for both fresh and dried floral arrangements. Growing to just 6 to 12 inches tall and 9 to 12 inches wide, 'Savannah' is ideal for borders, containers, and small garden spaces. Its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and long-lasting ornamental value make it a versatile choice for low-maintenance plantings.
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Ironweed
Vernonia glaucaVernonia glauca is a native plant with several common names including Appalachian ironweed due to its native range primarily following the Appalachian Mountains. It is known to be drought and moisture tolerant and attracts pollinators including the American painted lady butterfly, of which it is the host plant. This plant has traditionally been used by the Cherokee as an analgesic as well as a treatment for stomach ulcers.
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Crape-myrtle
Lagerstroemia ′Sarah’s Favorite′On view at the Main Entrance
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Coastal Plain Joe-Pye-weed
Eutrochium dubium 'Little Joe'Coastal Joe Pye Weed, is a hardy, native perennial prized for its bold presence and ecological value in the garden. Native to the eastern coastal regions of North America, this compact species typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and is well-suited to smaller garden spaces compared to its taller relatives. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers that attract a wide array of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils and full to part sun, Coastal Joe Pye Weed is a valuable addition to rain gardens, meadows, and naturalized plantings. Its strong stems, attractive foliage, and late-season blooms provide lasting visual interest and support for native wildlife. Find other species and cultivars of Joe-Pye-weed in bloom throughout the gardens!