Orchid Extravaganza

January 19 to March 24, 2013

Orchid Extravaganza is an extraordinary blend of horticulture and artistry, showcasing 5,000 orchids displayed in many artistic forms. Wander through our 4-acre Conservatory to discover hanging orbs, a tiered chandelier, an overflowing archway, and urns full of colorful orchids. Explore our Orchid House where our historic collection of diverse species and hybrids are displayed in bloom. 

Orchid Extravaganza: Beyond amazing.

Orchids were one of the first collections our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, and his wife, Alice, developed for the Gardens. To celebrate this history we present Orchid Extravaganza every year, January through March. Longwood’s Orchid Collection has more than 2,300 different kinds of orchids (hybrids and species). We collect the showiest and most unusual types of species and hybrids for diversity. Longwood’s collection consists of nearly 9,000 plants.

The Orchid House displays the best of Longwood’s orchids when they are flowering. Three times a week, staff chooses the best blooming orchids from our collection to display. In all, 200–300 orchids are on display every day of the year.

Longwood grows its orchids in five different greenhouses with specific lighting, temperatures and humidity to mimic their original native regions. Longwood’s collection includes specimens from across the world.

Orchid Extravaganza Display Highlights

Orchid Orbs

Four magnificent orchid orbs are suspended over the Patio of Oranges in the East Conservatory, and two additional orbs hang in the Exhibition Hall.

• There are 160 orchids in each orb and each orb weighs about 200 pounds.
• A team of 12 staff and volunteers created the orbs over the course of two days.
• Each is created on a custom metal form built by Longwood’s craftsmen.

Orchid Arch

A thirteen-foot-tall orchid arch spans the entrace to the Exhibition Hall floor and features 800 yellow Phalaenopsis and several hundred ferns.

Orchid Chandelier

A triple-tiered chandelier hangs above our sunken Exhibition Hall floor. 

• Our Orchid Chandelier features over 100 yellow Cymbidium orchids, 200 white Phalaenopsis orchids, and Algerian ivy. 

Rare Blue Poppies

Our rare blue poppies, Meconopsis grandis, will appear in early March.

Music Room Display

Music Room highlights include historical artifacts from the American Orchid Society, historical Longwood grower notebooks, stories of orchid collection caretakers, rare books, herbarium specimens, and more.

During the Behind the Garden Gates Days, the Library will be open for visitors to get a peek at current books as well as a few historical treasures. 

Featured Events

Beyond the Garden Gates Days

January 19, February 2 & 16, March 2 & 23—11:00 am–3:00 pm
Throughout 2013, we invite you to “Go Beyond” our beauty as we open the doors to our workspaces, introduce you to our talented staff, and reveal the inspiration behind all that we do. Please note: Some of our behind-the-scenes experiences have limited availability and may not be full accessible.

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OrKID Days

January 21, February 18, & March 16—12:00–3:00 pm
OrKID Days are fun for the whole family and help our youngest visitors appreciate the gardens through music. Enjoy a free family concert, learn about orchids firsthand at discovery stations, sketch your own orchid, and go on a Winter Wonders Hunt throughout the Conservatory.

Tours & Talks

Check our Tours page or inquire in the Visitor Center for a detailed listing of programs on the day of your visit.

• Beyond the Garden Gates Tours
• Talks With the Gardeners
• Insider Tours 

Orchid Extravaganza Sale

March 27–30—9:00 am–6:00 pm
Purchase orchids displayed in Orchid Extravaganza at discounted prices while supplies last at The GardenShop. Please note: We are not hosting the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society International Show and Sale this year.

#GoBeyond

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