Harry P Leu Gardens
Among Orlando’s best attractions, Harry P Leu Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s frenetic theme parks. Explore the 50 acres of cultivated gardens and tour a botanical rainforest, formal rose garden, and more.
See 10 “idea” gardens to inspire weekend horticulturists and wander a tropical stream garden ornamented by banana, ginger plants, and palm trees. You can also visit a historic home that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Read this first!
Getting There
The gardens are located at 1920 N Forest Avenue. Parking is free and available on-site, however, alcohol, bicycles, and pets are not allowed.
You can explore three miles of paved walkways amongst the 50 acres of Southern-styled gardens. Some of the highlights include America’s largest camellia collection, azaleas, roses, and tropical philodendrons. In addition, the grounds house a butterfly garden, a citrus grove, and a tropical stream garden. You can also find a variety of classes and symposia to learn more about landscaping, horticulture, and the arts.
There are a number of amazing tours available to enhance your experience at Harry P Leu Gardens in Orlando FL including guided group, school, and scout tours. All of the tours are subject to availability and some require advance reservations. Learn more by visiting the official website for details. By entering Leu Gardens, visitors agree to allow their photograph and/or video recording to be used for educational, promotional, or publicity purposes by the City of Orlando.
Admission Fees
The gardens and historic home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu. Visitors will find the grounds a serene escape from the madness of Central Florida theme parks. Wildly tropical with formal gardens, they’re a reminder of what Florida used to be.
You can pay for daytime garden admission tickets online or at the gate. Admission is good for all daytime operating hours and excludes classes, evening events, and group tours. Credit card payments are accepted.
Throughout the year, you’ll see the gardens in a kaleidoscope of color and variety. A Camellia Collection that’s one of the country’s best, azaleas and bamboo, a botanical rose garden, and native wetlands are just some of the highlights. The website has a calendar showing what plants will be in bloom at any given time, as well as a schedule of classes and other activities. In addition to the museum and gardens, there’s a gift shop and cafe. Discover more exciting places here.
Exhibits
Featuring 10 different kinds of smaller gardens, this garden complex includes Rose gardens, Idea gardens, and a Tropical Garden. The Camellia collection here is one of the most extensive in North America.
The botanical oasis of Harry P Leu Gardens is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando. The property covers over 50 acres and demonstrates the growth of temperate and tropical plants. The garden is located in USDA climate zone 9b and features collections of aroids, bamboo, bananas, camellias, citrus, crepe myrtles, flowering trees and shrubs, gingers, heliconias, orchids, palms, perennials, philodendrons, and more.
The property also features the Leu House Museum, which is a restored home that reflects turn-of-the-century Florida living. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours of the museum are available on certain days. Visitors may also take advantage of the classes and camps that are regularly offered at the garden.
Tours
Explore the gardens at your own pace, absorbing the lush green surroundings. Stroll through a variety of themed gardens, including the Camellia, Rose, and Herb gardens.
The gardens are a kaleidoscope of colors year-round, with dozens of azaleas and flowering trees, exotic bromeliads, and palms. The property also features an extensive vegetable garden and Florida’s largest formal rose garden.
Guided tours are available, providing insight into the grounds and their specialized plants. The tour also highlights the Leu House Museum, a turn-of-the-century home, which was donated to the city along with the gardens in 1961.
The gardens are illuminated at night for the Dazzling Nights event, featuring a million lights, glowing forests, magical displays, and musical performances. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Check our next area of interest here.
Driving directions from Tropical Home And Commercial Services to Harry P Leu Gardens
Driving directions from Harry P Leu Gardens to Bill Frederick Park