horticulture

Magnolia is the Lowcountry’s ultimate garden experience.

Spectacular river vistas, colorful plant displays, ancient camellias and massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss make up our centuries old horticultural legacy. The oldest section of the gardens still exists at Flowerdale, a tiny section of the original formal plantings adjacent to the first Magnolia house.

In the early 1840s, the Rev. John Grimké Drayton began to design an informal, “picturesque style” garden to showcase his azalea and camellia collections. These gardens were opened to the public shortly after the Civil War. Today, visitors can wander their original paths, marveling at the magnificence that has inspired poets, painters, and authors for over two centuries.

Magnolia is now open year-round, showcasing seasonal blooms. Our world-renowned camellia collection begins to bloom in early winter; by spring, our magnificent azaleas create an unparalleled display. Daffodils, roses, hydrangea, magnolia, and gardenia bloom during the summer. Fall brings the turning of the trees, when Japanese Maple, Sweetgum, Bald Cypress, and Black Tupelo brighten the year's end with a fiery finish.