Holly and Magnolia Collections
This garden features stunning displays of red-berried evergreen holly, long associated with winter holidays, and the fragrant southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), a summer-flowering native of the southeastern United States. You’ll find these, along with dozens of other evergreen and deciduous hollies and magnolias, combined in a magical collection that is striking in all seasons. The collections are particularly beautiful in the spring and again in the fall and winter.
Over the years, hollies and magnolias have figured prominently in the Arboretum’s work to develop new and improved landscape plants. Many of the hollies and magnolias that are common in the nursery trade today originated right here at the U.S. National Arboretum. The Holly and Magnolia Collections highlight some of the best examples of plants we’ve ever introduced. Here, you can find ‘Galaxy’ magnolia, the so-called “Girl Series” of compact magnolias, and ‘Sparkleberry’ holly.
The Holly and Magnolia Collections are at their peak in several seasons, but the impact of thousands of blossoms of deciduous magnolias in shades of pink, white, and purple make this a must-see destination in early spring. Evergreen magnolias bloom in high summer. In the autumn, hundreds of hollies ripen their berries. Winter snowfalls bring quiet and colorful majesty to the collection. In short, any time is a good time to visit the Holly and Magnolia Collections.
TIPS FOR VISITORS
There are no handicapped-accessible trails in the collection, but much of it is easily enjoyed from roadways in the area.