Descanso Gardens

Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Phone: 818-949-4200

Website: http://www.descansogardens.org

Hours: The Gardens are open every day of the year except Christmas, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (although visitors are encouraged to arrive by 4:30 p.m.) Free Parking.

Fees: Check website for current ticket prices, discount offers and combination packages.

Comments: Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Descanso founder E. Manchester Boddy, preserved these 160 acres of gardens, woodlands and chaparral for future generations to experience the natural heritage and beauty of Southern California. Today Descanso Gardens is a museum of living collections, accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Today Descanso Gardens is home to North America’s largest camellia collection—more than 34,000 plants and more than 700 species and varieties growing on 20 acres. Many of these camellias are more than 20 feet in height. The Camellia Forest boasts rare and familiar camellias and has been designated an International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society. Camellias at Descanso bloom from early autumn to early spring, with the most dazzling floral display in winter—January through February.

Breathe the perfume of this five-acre garden of America's most popular flower, the Rose. More than 3,000 roses represent centuries of horticultural history and dozens of regions around the world. Significant collections of species, old garden and modern roses are arranged in theme gardens. Descanso's roses share their space with companion plants that thrive in the Southern California climate.
In March and April, marvel at nearly 500 fragrant lilacs developed for Southern California's warm winter climate. Many, including 'Lavender Lady,' were developed by Descanso Gardens horticulturists.
Catch the springtime color of California poppies, other wildflowers and native flowering shrubs. Among the most striking attractions are Matilija poppies, manzanitas, and wildflower species.
Descanso Garden Calendar of Blooms

JANUARY: Camellias, cherry trees and winter annuals.

FEBRUARY: Camellias, magnolias, cherry trees and daffodils.

MARCH: Camellias, iris, lilacs, cherry trees and daffodils.

APRIL: Azaleas, camellias, iris, lilacs, native plants and wildflowers, tulips, clivia, and wisteria.

MAY: Azaleas, camellias, roses, iris, wildflowers and California Natives.

JUNE: Modern and heritage roses and summer annuals.

JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER: Roses, summer annuals and perennials, crape myrtle and cassia.

OCTOBER: Sasanqua camellias, roses and Fall foliage.

NOVEMBER: Camellias, toyon berries, annuals, gingko and Fall foliage.

DECEMBER: Camellias, toyon berries, annuals and gingko.

Directions: Located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. From I-210 exit toward CA-2 / PASADENA. Take the VERDUGO BLVD exit. Turn RIGHT onto VERDUGO BLVD. Turn RIGHT onto DESCANSO DR. End at 1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

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