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Discover the Plants, Trees, and Living Landscapes That Define Bellingrath
Bellingrath Gardens is home to a diverse collection of plants that showcase the beauty, history, and horticultural significance of the Gulf Coast. Our Core Plant Collections represent some of the most important plant groups found throughout the Gardens, carefully cultivated and preserved for education, conservation, and enjoyment.
Core Plant Collection Include:
Azaleas
One of the most iconic features of Bellingrath Gardens is our Azalea Collection, showy flowering shrubs that celebrate Bessie Bellingrath’s favorites flower with stunning displays of colorful spring blooms. Bellingrath’s plantings of azaleas feature both historic and newer cultivars, preserving an important part of the Gardens’ legacy while introducing visitors to the diversity of this beloved Southern plant. When in bloom, azaleas transform the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of pinks, reds, whites, purples, and even orange and yellow shades, creating one of the most memorable seasonal experiences at Bellingrath.
Camellias
A signature winter-blooming collection and Mr. Bellingrath’s favorite, the Camellia Collection showcases a remarkable diversity of cultivars known for their beauty, resilience, and elegance. Blooming when many other plants are dormant, these treasured shrubs bring vibrant color and interest to the Gardens throughout the cooler months. As one of Bellingrath’s most celebrated plant collections, our iconic Camellias signify both period horticulture and resilience against nature’s vagaries over time. We seek to preserve these plants through long-standing horticultural excellence and modern public garden curation practices.
Tree Canopy
The Tree Canopy Collection is anchored by Bellingrath’s majestic live oaks, whose sprawling branches and towering forms create some of the Gardens’ most breathtaking views. Southern magnolias, whose intoxicatingly sweet-scented flowers and stately foliage are emblematic of a Gulf Coast garden, are equally celebrated throughout the landscape, alongside iconic bald cypress, cabbage palms, and pines. These mature trees provide shade, structure, and a sense of permanence throughout the Gardens, serving as living landmarks that have witnessed generations of visitors. More than simply a backdrop, the canopy shapes the character of the Gardens and stands as a lasting symbol of the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Native Plants
The Native Plant Collection represents Bellingrath’s newest commitment to regional horticulture through the addition of Gulf Coast native plants to the Gardens. This collection highlights species that naturally occur throughout the Gulf Coast region and play an essential role in supporting local ecosystems. These plants provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while demonstrating the beauty and value of landscaping with native species. Through this developing collection, visitors can discover how native plants contribute to biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable gardening practices in the South.
Help Our Collections Thrive
From treasured Camellias and azaleas to our iconic live oaks, your support helps preserve the beauty and horticultural heritage of Bellingrath Gardens. Donate today and invest in the future of our living collections.