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

  • Princess-tree

    This deciduous tree native to China, produces large, fragrant, panicles of lavender flowers in the spring.  The wood of this fast growing tree is highly prized and used to make furniture and musical instruments. Japanese craftsmen prize princess-tree wood for making the koto, a six-foot long, stringed instrument that is the national instrument of Japan. Kotos create music when the strings that bridge across the hollow body of the instrument, are plucked. The unique sound is distinctively energetic and reflective because of the resonance of the princess-tree wood.

  • Flowering Dogwood

    A beautiful spring flowering Pennsylvania native, dogwood is a medium-sized tree that blooms in late April to early May. 'Cloud 9' is slow growing but it flowers at a young age and is one of the most cold-hardy cultivars. It has been selected for a profuse bloom of showy white over-lapping bracts surrounding a tight cluster of tiny yellowish green flowers. Like other flowering dogwoods, it has red fruit, that attract birds, and reddish purple foliage in the fall providing another season of interest. 

Learn More With Our Plant Database

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.

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.