Fall’s Favorite Flower Showcased During 2023 Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens

KENNETT SQUARE, PA– From tiny pom-poms to oversized blooms, more than 5,000 chrysanthemum plants in rich colors of yellow, orange, lavender, maroon, and more transform the grand Conservatory at Longwood Gardens into an autumnal dream during Chrysanthemum Festival, on view September 30 through November 12, 2023. 

Combining art and horticulture, Chrysanthemum Festival brings an ancient artform practiced throughout Japan and China to Longwood. Fall’s favorite flower goes beyond traditional arrangements to find new whimsical designs in the shape of spirals, obelisks, columns, clouds, and more. 

“Chrysanthemum Festival is horticulturally the most challenging exhibition we present every year, and its success is credited to our wonderful and diligent team,” says Sharon Loving, Chief Horticulture and Facilities Officer at Longwood Gardens. “The plans for Chrysanthemum Festival begin more than one year in advance, as our team begins to conceptualize a creative vision for this extraordinary display.”

Fall fun can be found indoors and out during Chrysanthemum Festival. Travel to outdoor Gardens where shorter days mean the season’s golden and amber hues paint the landscape. Stunning native plants with a tapestry of textures beckon at the 86-acre Meadow Garden, which reaches its peak in autumn. And jets of water in all shapes, sizes, and hues dance along to music during Longwood’s last fountain performances of the year in the Main Fountain Garden.  Illuminated Fountain performances are at 8:15 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through October 28. 

Autumn evenings are filled with live music, food, and drinks Thursday through Saturday in the Beer Garden. Located outdoors near the Terrace Restaurant, The Garden Railway makes a grand return with its miniature world of Longwood landmarks, seasonal plants, and dozens of engines. Near the Idea Garden, the Pumpkin Playground with a seasonal display of pumpkins, gourds, and corn husk towers invite young guests to roll, move, and play. 

In addition to seeing all that nature has to offer in Autumn, Longwood has several upcoming captivating performances taking place in the vibrant beauty of the Conservatory. View the schedule for our 2023–24 Performance Series and purchase tickets online at longwoodgardens.org/performance-series. 

VOCES8
October 12
7:30 pm
2023 Grammy Award-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 performs an extensive repertory in its masterful a cappella concerts held around the world—each a captivating celebration of diverse musical expression. 
$38 Reserved Seating
$32 Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, and Innovators 

Julie Fowlis
October 18
7:30 pm
Multi-award-winning singer Julie Fowlish made history as the first Gaelic solo artist to win a Scottish Music Award, and is well-known for singing the theme songs to Brave, Disney Pixar’s Oscar-, Golden Globe- and BAFTA-winning animated film set in the ancient highlands of Scotland.
$35 Reserved Seating
$30 Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, and Innovators

Bria Skonberg
November 10 
7:30 pm
Named one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” by The Wall Street Journal and the 2017 Juno Award Winner for Best Vocal Jazz Album, trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg links the present with the past with inventive arrangements of traditional jazz repertoire, clever reinterpretations of contemporary classics, and original compositions with genuine heart and dynamic flair.
Performance: Ballroom
$34 Reserved Seating
$29Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, and Innovators 

Chrysanthemum Festival runs September 30 through November 12, 2023. September 30 through October 28, gardens are open Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm. Timed Admission Tickets required. Timed reservations required for Members Thursday through Saturday from 3 pm to close. October 29 through November 12, gardens are open from 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday to Monday. Gardens closed Tuesdays. Timed Admission Tickets required. Reservations not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators. Tickets and reservations are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

About Longwood Gardens
In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatory. Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Open daily, Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.