Explore Longwood Gardens

Conservatory buildings are viewed in the distance through garden grasses in the foreground
Bob Doerr

Longwood Gardens, one of America’s quintessential landscapes, is a place of ever-changing seasonal beauty, handcrafted feats of horticultural wonder, and an awe-inspiring collection of the most beautiful plants from around the globe. 

From our humble beginnings as a Quaker farmstead and arboretum, to Pierre S. du Pont’s forward-thinking stewardship, to today’s collection of renowned landscape designers, horticulturists, and architects, our great garden of the world evolves and emerges again and again.

Through Longwood Gardens and its program of outstanding horticultural display, every visitor to the Gardens has the opportunity to gain, culturally and spiritually, a better peace of mind.

Russell J. Seibert, Longwood’s first director

Explore nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths to breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas. Together, mesmerizing displays, feats of engineering, and science-based research and conservation work harmoniously toward the overarching goal to unite and inspire our guests in appreciation of beauty—as only Longwood can. 

Explore Our Gardens

View All Gardens
  • Our Districts
    A stone path winds through a lush room of colorful plants with a hanging light above

    Our Districts

    Explore nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths.

  • Our Seasons
    looking through fall leaves to the canopy cathedral treehouse

    Our Seasons

    We honor the four seasons with five unique Longwood seasons, celebrating the bounty of our gardens throughout the cycles of renewal, growth, and ever-evolving splendor. 

  • Our Plants
    close up of orange Clivia Miniata with green and yellow center

    Our Plants

    Explore over 10,000 species and varieties of plants, representing 200 different plant families. 

  • Our Science
    A person holds a small vial with plant material inside in a lab

    Our Science

    Our scientific work lays the groundwork for discoveries that expand our understanding of the natural world and help perpetuate and celebrate its beauty for generations to come.

What's in Bloom

See More of What's in Bloom

  • Turtle-head

    Commonly known as turtlehead for its unique, snapdragon-like blooms, it is a hardy perennial native to eastern North America. Found along streambanks and moist woodlands, it features upright stems with dark green, serrated leaves and dense spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple from late summer into fall. The distinctive flowers resemble the head of a turtle, hence the name and are particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies, including the Baltimore checkerspot, which uses Chelone as a host plant. It thrives in moist, rich soil and partial shade, Chelone is ideal for rain gardens, woodland edges, or any spot needing late-season color and environmental benefits. Despite its striking form and low maintenance needs, it remains underused in many landscapes.

  • Obedient-plant

    Obedient plant, is a resilient perennial native to North America’s moist meadows and stream banks. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall, with square stems, lance-shaped leaves, and striking tubular flowers arranged in spikes, in shades of pink, purple, or white. Named for its unique characteristic, its flowers can be gently moved to stay “obedient” in different positions.  Physostegia blooms in late summer, providing vibrant color when many other plants fade. This species plays an important role in supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. It’s a favorite for perennial borders, and naturalistic landscapes, offering both ornamental appeal and valuable ecological benefits.