Main Fountain Garden District

Aerial view of a large fountain garden to the upper right, a topiary garden at the top, and a lined flower bed garden at the bottom

The Main Fountain Garden District represents the culmination of founder Pierre S. du Pont’s vision for Longwood: the garden as grand theater. In addition to stunning European-inspired architecture and mesmerizing fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden, the Rose Garden stuns with four seasons of expression, in view of the expertly clipped Topiary Garden and its geometric shapes. To the east of the fountains, the Idea Garden echoes the orderly spirit of formal design with its Carpinus hedge and rectangular beds—defining a space that celebrates the creative process of gardening.

About This District

The classical gardens of this area have captivated guests for more than 90 years. Inspired by Pierre’s travels to Europe’s great water gardens and his seminal visits to several world’s fairs and expositions, the Main Fountain Garden highlights his lifelong passion for horticulture, engineering marvels, and the beauty of exceptional design.

Gardens in this District

  • Idea Garden
    A brick walkway with a wooden bench winds through green garden beds with fountains in the distance

    Idea Garden

    Horticultural inspiration comes closer to home in this inspired and beloved garden, where educational, experimental approaches to gardening and design are explored using plant varieties that can be reliably grown by home gardeners in the mid-Atlantic region.

  • Main Fountain Garden
    A large display of fountains shoots skyward above a stone facade, with green gardens and smaller fountains in the foreground.

    Main Fountain Garden

    Splendor awaits in this European-inspired, world-class destination: think classic garden design, extravagant theater, astounding choreography, a spectrum of color, musical accompaniment, and, on special occasions, fireworks!

  • Rose Garden
    A stone walkway leades to a small bench among garden beds of yellow, pink, and green plants with large water fountain streams seen in the background

    Rose Garden

    Striking colors, heady fragrances, and soft textures bud, bloom, and sway harmoniously from spring through fall, providing countless ways to celebrate the rose—and her many beautiful friends.

  • Topiary Garden
    A couple sits on the ground surrounded by shaped topiary with a child running in the distance during sunset

    Topiary Garden

    From playful bunnies to fanciful spirals, you’ll find more than 35 specimens of meticulously maintained, highly cultivated yews (as well as spirited games of hide and seek)  in our Topiary Garden.

What’s in Bloom

  • Lavender-pink flowering plant with two butterflies.

    Perennial Phlox

    Phlox paniculata 'Jeana'
  • Trumpet-shaped yellow flower heads

    Citron Daylily

    Hemerocallis citrina
  • Blazing-star

    Liatris spicata ′Kobold′
  • Meadow-rue

    Thalictrum rochebrunianum ′Lavender Mist′
  • Giant-hyssop

    Agastache ′Blue Fortune′

    Agastache is a genus of about 20 species, native to eastern Asia and North America, and grows in dry woodland and prairies, old fields, dry scrub and hills. ‘Blue Fortune’ is a hybrid cross between Agastache rugosa and Agastache foeniculum. It grows up to 36 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches wide and produces a mass of soft purple, upright tubular flowers in spikes to five inches long from June to October, attracting a plethora of pollinators.  Giant-hyssop prefers full sun and grows well in average to dry soil conditions.

  • Red flowers with a pollinator
  • Peachy blooms darkening to a red center.

    Gladiolus

    Gladiolus 'Peter Pears'
  • Large, showy white five-petaled flowers with pink to red or purple eye at the center.

    Rose Mallow 

    Hibiscus moscheutos

    Find other species of Hibiscus on display throughout the gardens.  

  • Large, daisy-like flowers featuring pure white petals and a prominent, dark orange-brown central cone.

    Purple Coneflower 

    Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'

    Unlike the typical purple blooms of the species, 'White Swan' features striking white petals surrounding a prominent orange-brown central cone. Blooming from mid to late summer, it attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers also make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. Like its wild counterparts, 'White Swan' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and it’s drought-tolerant once established. Echinacea has a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly among Native American tribes, though 'White Swan' is primarily cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

  • Large, cone-shaped flower clusters that transition from an elegant celadon lime green to creamy white, then pink, and finally burgundy as they mature.

    Panicle Hydrangea 

    Hydrangea paniculata

    Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ is a well-known cultivar selected by Proven Winners for its reliable performance and striking blooms. Originally developed in the Netherlands, it features large, upright panicles of flowers that open a distinctive pale green in midsummer before gradually shifting to creamy white, pink, and rose tones as the season progresses. This deciduous shrub is adaptable to a variety of soil types and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Growing 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, 'Limelight' is appreciated for its strong stems, long bloom period, and suitability for both garden use and cut flower arrangements.