Our Plants

The plants and trees of Longwood, with the allure of their ephemeral beauty, bring us together to experience a spectacular ensemble of gardens and landscapes.

When we visit, we are united by the memories we share, by the stunning surroundings, and by the living network that is here for everyone to enjoy. 

What's in Bloom

See More of What's in Bloom

  • Purple Coneflower

    Purple coneflower is native to the eastern and central United States and grows in rocky open woodlands, prairies, and thickets. A clump forming perennial, it has soft pink flowers that grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet, and blooms from mid June to August. Purple coneflower has become a very popular ornamental plant and many different cultivars and hybrids can be found in the trade. As with the other members of the aster family, it has many ecological benefits including attracting butterflies, birds and especially native bees. Look for other plantings of purple coneflower throughout the gardens!  

  • Bottlebrush Buckeye

    Bottlebrush buckeye is a native deciduous shrub of the eastern United States that grows to 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide. In early summer, it produces 12-inch, bottlebrush-like panicles of white flowers that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and butterflies and contrast beautifully with its mounded habit. Its palmately compound leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn. A low-maintenance, suckering shrub it thrives in partial shade and moist, acidic soils and is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8.

Discover Iconic Plants

Blooms in Action

Watch this stunning collection of time-lapse images of some of our iconic plants coming into bloom, captured by former research intern Ty Seely.

Camellia Breeding Process

Learn about the goals and process of our camellia breeding program.

Sensational Sprout

See our titan arum’s amazing transformation in this timelapse video.

A Fine Vine: Clematis

Join Jeff Jabco, an instructor in our Continuing Education program, as he showcases the top five Clematis in this year’s International Trial.

Everything’s Coming up Roses

Enjoy a walk through our Rose Arbor, showcasing the vibrant pink Rosa ‘American Pillar’.

Pierre’s Poplar

Meet one of the tallest trees at Longwood Gardens—and get a bird’s eye view as Longwood’s Arborists attempt to measure this champion tree.