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

  • Mountain-laurel

    Kalmia latifolia is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that is native to the eastern United States.  It grows 5-15 feet tall and has clusters of showy white to pink flowers that appear in May and June.  Commonly known as mountain-laurel, it grows in partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil like its rhododendron relatives.  Kalmia latifolia is the state flower of Pennsylvania.

  • Chinese Wax-shrub

    Calycanthus chinensis is a deciduous shrub reaching about nine feet tall and wide. The noteworthy feature of this plant is the large, three-inch waxy camellia-like flowers with ivory-pink tepals surrounding golden yellow petals in May to July. The glossy green leaves turn a lovely golden in the fall. It does well in part shade and blooms at a young age.  In China it is found on slopes or near streams, usually under a canopy, in mountainous areas, about 1900 to 3200 feet in North Zhejiang Province. It was first introduced to North America in the 1980s and has been found to be hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. 

Learn More With Our Plant Explorer

From in-bloom flowers to just-ripening fruits, each and every efflorescence can be found in our plant collections database. Time your trip around unfurling petals or reflect on the names of what you saw in a particular garden—our Plant Explorer is here to help.

Explore

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.

All About Camellias

Watch as Dr. Matt Taylor, Director, Research and Conservation, explains our Camellia breeding process.

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.