Autumn's Colors

September 6 through November 21, 2010

During the Chrysanthemum Festival, mid-October through November 21, more than 20,000 colorful, blooming chrysanthemums flourish in the palatial Conservatory. Longwood’s experts have trained these fall favorites into unique forms including towering single-stemmed beauties and thousand-bloomers.

The show reaches its peak bloom during the first three weeks of November. This year, a cloud of topiary bees above the indoor lawns are poised to pollinate the beds of flowers beneath. Topairy forms, including butterflies, spirals and our largest thousand bloom chrysanthemum ever, with over 700 blooms, adorn the Conservatory. Find out more about Longwood's largest-ever thousand bloom chrysanthemum.

See a video about the making of Longwood's thousand bloom chrysanthemum on Youtube.

Please note that actual bloom times may vary depending on weather. The list of flowering highlights is subject to change.

Horticultural highlights this season:
General Indoor Highlights 

  • Asters
  • Cannas
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Coleus
  • Hamelias
  • Lollipop-plant (Pachystachys lutea)
  • Mexican Sage (Salvia)
  • Ornamental Peppers
  • Otacanthus (Otacanthus coeruleus)
  • Spurflower (Plectranthus)

General Outdoor Highlights 

  • Berried Shrubs
  • Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
  • Butterfly-bush (Buddleja)
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Day-flowering  and Night-flowering Waterlilies (Nymphaea)
  • Fall crocus
  • Fall foliage
  • Franklinia (Franklinia alatamaha)
  • Fruit trees
  • Gourds (Cucurbita)
  • Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum)
  • Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
  • Ornamental Grasses
  • Roses
  • Sages (Salvia)
  • Vegetables
  • Water-platters (Victoria)
  • Wildflowers

The Jazz Club

Performances in February, March and April

Enjoy a night of hot jazz in a floral paradise at The Jazz Club at Longwood Gardens. Performers include Grammy winner Terence Blanchard, stunning vocalist Jane Monheit and the captivating duo of Joshua Redman & Brad Mehldau Duo.


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Love Blooms: Valentine's Dinner

Saturday, February 13

When a dozen roses just isn't enough, surround your sweetheart with flowers, sweet desserts and luscious cuisine during this one-of-a-kind event in the Conservatory.


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Orchid Extravaganza

January 23–March 31

The divas of the plant world put on an unforgettable show throughout the Conservatory. See thousands of orchids from around the world, including a living orchid curtain and orchid topiaries, among many other innovative displays.


Find out more about what's in bloom »

Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance

on view April 10–November 21, 2010

Longwood Gardens takes you inside the unmapped universe of scent with Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance, an interactive exhibition that explores the art, science and mystery of fragrance.


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Garden Passes

Become a Member Today!

Members enjoy unparalleled access to Longwood Gardens, including members-only special events, discounts in our shop and restaurant and free offerings throughout the Gardens. 


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