You are here

Home  /  Gardens

Waterlily Display

About this Outdoor Garden

Our Waterlily Display is now closed.

A highlight of our summer display, massive water-platters and more than 100 types of colorful day- and night-blooming hardy and tropical waterlilies put on a spectacular show. 

Tucked into a protected courtyard (accessed via the Conservatory), this stunning outdoor Garden features aquatic plants from all over the world. The Garden is normally open from late May through mid-October. Peak bloom occurs mid-July through September (depending on weather).

Journey with us to the Amazon to discover Victoria, the waterlily queen, in a fascinating online exhibit.

History of the Garden

Tropical aquatics came to Longwood in 1957 with the opening of a 13-pool Waterlily Display. In 1989 the display was redesigned by Sir Peter Shepheard into five larger, dramatic pools.

Bloom Highlights

Elephant's-ear

The many varieties of elephant's-ears seen throughout the Garden create a bold, tropical feel.  Also known as taro, their cooked corms have a delicious, potato-like flavor.

Rose Mallow

‘Summer Storm’ is a hardy, rose mallow hybrid with large flowers to 10 inches across that blooms from July to September.  These flowers, which attract hummingbirds, are a stand out against the plant’s dark purple foliage.  Rose mallows can grow to 7 feet tall and perform best in moist soils and full sun. You may associate hibiscus with tropical plants, but within the parentage of ‘Summer Storm’ are species of hibiscus native the eastern United States.

Explore Plants In This Garden