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All the United States Florida Orlando Harry P. Leu Gardens
AO Edited

Harry P. Leu Gardens

A vast array of tropical plants collected by a vacationing couple.

Orlando, Florida

Added By
N Mandino
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The floral clock is 50 feet across.   Tricia
The floral clock is 50 feet across.   Tricia
A rose garden fountain.   Liz Cali
The floral clock in spring.   EvelynGiggles
Meandering paths wind through the gardens.   Liz Cali
Flowers at the Harry P. Leu Gardens.   Liz Cali
Flowers at the Harry P. Leu Gardens.   Tilly Clark on Flickr
Flowers at the Harry P. Leu Gardens.   Kimon Berlin on Flickr
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Mizell Leu House, in the Harry P. Leu Gardens   Ebyabe
Historical marker at the Mizell Leu House   Ebyabe
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Leu Gardens   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
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About

When some people go on vacation they bring back trinkets and tchotchkes. Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu were in the habit of bringing back exotic plants, which eventually led to the establishment of Orlando's Harry P. Leu Gardens.

After Leu bought his Florida home and its adjoining 40 acres, he and his wife began planting their various exotic flora across the grounds—right up until the couple passed away. After their deaths, the house and gardens were donated to the City of Orlando and the lush gardens are now a beautiful and fascinating destination for budding horticulturalists.

The vast collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants cover a wide range of species that thrive in Florida's humid climate. Among the many collections are groupings of bromeliads, magnolias, ferns, roses, palms and lilies. The most celebrated and impressive collection is of camellias, a favorite of the Leus.  This collection contains over 2,000 plants across over 200 cultivars making the camellia collection one of the largest in the entire country. Another highlight is the massive floral clock, which is frequently replanted in different blooms and patterns.

The grounds of the Harry P. Leu Gardens are laced with meandering paths that wind through the various collections allowing visitors to take a tour through a garden that is not only geographically huge but also unique in its breadth.   

Related Tags

Botanical Gardens Gardens Natural Wonders Collections Aletrail Nature Plants

Know Before You Go

Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

No entry after 4 p.m.

Admissions

Adults $15

Children and Veterans $10

Annual memberships are also available.

Community Contributors

Added By

themandino

Edited By

bobster823, hana, Blindcolour, jessemiers...

  • bobster823
  • hana
  • Blindcolour
  • jessemiers
  • Dalasaur
  • EricGrundhauser
  • petegogan1
  • ccesare
  • Atak

Published

June 14, 2012

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Sources
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_P._Leu_Gardens
  • http://www.visitorlando.com/listings/?action=display&listingID=31129
  • http://www.leugardens.org/index.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_P._Leu_Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 North Forest Avenue
Orlando, Florida, 32803
United States
28.567572, -81.355385
Visit Website
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