Orchid Extravaganza

January 22 through April 1, 2011


Enter a dazzling world of orchids as Longwood transforms its Conservatory into a tropical oasis.

Orchid blooms cascade down walls, spill from containers and adorn planting beds throughout 4-acres of indoor gardens. See thousands of orchids from around the world, including a living orchid curtain, orchid topiaries and columns, an orchid waterfall and many other innovative displays.

Guests will be amazed by the variety of orchids on display, featuring a plethora of colors, sizes, shapes and varieties, including Cattleya, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum and Oncidium, among others.

On March 26–28, enter a world of dazzling orchids showcased by the best collectors and growers from Hawaii to South America during the annual International Orchid Show & Sale ! Stunning exhibits fill the Conservatory and a wide array of orchids are for sale. Enjoy the American Orchid Society-judged show, guided tours, informative talks and a sales pavilion like no other.

Horticultural highlights this season:
General Indoor Highlights 

  • Acacia
  • Amaryllis
  • Begonias
  • Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)
  • Bugloss (Echium)
  • Buttercup (Ranunculus)
  • Butterfly-bush (Buddleja)
  • Christmas-pride (Ruellia macrantha)
  • Cliva
  • Longwood Hybrid Cinerarias (Pericallis)
  • Coleus
  • Delphiniums
  • Eupatorium
  • Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica)
  • Freesia
  • Geraniums (Pelargonium)
  • Gladiolus
  • Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
  • Cape Cowslip (Lachenalia)
  • Lilies
  • Marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens)
  • Narcissus
  • Orchids
  • Pansies (Viola)
  • Primroses (Primula)
  • Queen's tears (Billbergia nutans)
  • Roses
  • Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
  • Stocks (Matthiola)
  • Broom (Cytisus x spachianus)
  • Tulips
  • Velvet Groundsel (Roldana petasitis)
  • Winter Red-hot-poker (Veltheimia bracteata)

General Outdoor Highlights 

  • Conifers
  • Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa)
  • Hollies (Ilex)
  • Siberian Squills (Scilla siberica)
  • Tomasini's Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus)
  • Topiaries
  • Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)
  • Witch-hazels (Hamamelis)

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