William Randolph Hearst wanted a garden that displayed a profusion of blooms throughout the year. So, hundreds of thousands of annuals, bulbs and perennials were planted to provide the displays Hearst enjoyed. Now, colors abound in the historic gardens throughout the year, which means you’ll always see the gardens in full bloom—no matter when you take a Castle tour.
Explore some of the Castle’s beautiful blooms below, or learn more about our efforts to preserve and protect the Hearst Castle Gardens.
Preserve and Protect the Gardens »
Bougainvillea
Family: Four-O’Clocks Family (Nyctaginaceae) Origin: Native to South America At Hearst Castle: Bougainvillea is trained to grow on the exteriors of all three guest houses. It also grows on the central balustrade of the South Terrace and on the south exterior of the Roman Pool. Comments: The genus was named after the French navigator, Louis de Bougainville (1729-1811). W. R. Hearst personally purshased some plants for the San Simeon gardens from a nursery in Santa Barbara [...]
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Calendula “English Marigold”
Family: Sunflower Family (Asteraceae) Compositae Origin: Mediterranian native Comments: It is thought that ST. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) dedicated Calendula officinalis to the Virgin Mary and gave the flowers the name Mary’s gold, or marigold. To gardeners today, “marigold” is generally is known for an unrelated genus known as Tagetes (agenus from Mexico) or “African”and “French” marigolds. Description: A popular cool season annual. Plants are bushy growing 1′-2′ high. All form s have lance-shaped, pale green [...]
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California Poppy
Family: Poppy Family (Papaveraceae) Origin: Native to California and Oregon. At Hearst Castle: This California native plant is found along the highway and roads up to the Castle. A common spring companion is the native lupine. Comments: A great naturalizer on hillsides or along roadways. Sow seeds in fall for mild winter areas; in spring in cold winter areas. Cultivate soil before broadcasting seed. Keep ground moist until germination. Description: A perennial with slender stems (8″-24″ [...]
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Calla Lily
Family: Arum Family (Araceae) Origin: Native to South Africa At Hearst Castle: Scattered throughout gardens; for example at Neptune Terrace. Grown at San Simeon in W. R. Hearst’s time; yellow calla (a different but very similar species) is mentioned in the Julia Morgan correspondence. Comments: Although often referred to as Calla “Lily,” the calla is not at all related to true lilies (genus Lilium) nor to the lily family. The calla is an arum (member of [...]
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Coastal Live Oak
Family: Beech Family (Fagaceae) This family of six genera and hundreds of species includes important hardwood trees such as beeches, tanbark oaks, oaks and chestnuts. Origin: Native to Coastal California At Hearst Castle: Many growing naturally throughout the garden. At least four of these native oaks were moved in the course of construction: One (still alive) was moved 1925-26 to make way for the North Wing, another (still alive) was moved in 1946 to make way [...]
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Cryptomeria
Family: Redwood Family (Taxodiaceae) Origin: Native to Japan and China At Hearst Castle: One tree along the North side of the tennis courts. This tree is a relatively recent planting from the 1970s. Comments: Because the leaves change from green to reddish in the winter, people often mistakenly think that it is dying. Cryptomeria has been widely planted in Japan for centuries. The famous avenue of Cryptomeria on the temple mountain at Nikko has trees over [...]
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Cyclamen
Family: Primulaceae (Primula family) Origin: C. hederifolium is from Southern Europe into Turkey. C. persicum is from Greece, Lebanon and North Africa. At Hearst Castle: There are several plants on the North Tea Terrace and from the Neptune terrace up to the esplanade. Comments: There are several references to the growing of cyclamen at Hearst Castle but one in particular refers to a letter from Louis Reesing (head gardiner from 1930 to about 1935) from May [...]
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Daffodil
Family: Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae) Origin: Native to Europe and North Africa At Hearst Castle: Daffodils can be spotted in the Hearst Castle Gardens intermingling with the azaleas and rhododendrons along the east esplanade. Also, in the upper bed above the tennis courts. A bed planted with ‘King Alfred’ bulbs are located on the slope next to the ramp down to the Roman Pool from the tennis courts. We have no correspondence, pictures or information on Daffodils [...]
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Daphne
Family: Thymelaeaceae (Daphne Family) Origin: Native to China and Japan. At Hearst Castle: A few plants are planted along south esplanade near the back courtyard of Casa Grande. W. R. Hearst was very fond of the fragrance of Daphne and had it planted in large numbers in the Hearst Castle Gardens. Comments: Daphne is greatly prized for its fragrance, but it is not easy to cultivate in California; it does much better in the Pacific Northwest. [...]
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Delphinium
Family: Ranunculaceae Origin: Native to mainly northern hemisphere temperate zones. At Hearst Castle: Delphiniums can be found in a number of places in the Hearst Castle gardens, usually used as bedding plants; planted inside the parterres throughout the formal Mediterranean gardens or used as a colorful background border along the South Esplanade. Comments: Delphiniums are usually divided into different warm and cool growing hybrids. The word Delphin-ium: Latin delphin, dolphin, from the shape of the flowers and [...]
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Deodar Cedar
Family: Pine Family (Pinaceae) Origin: Native to Himalayas At Hearst Castle: One located at Main Terrace, two near the tennis courts, and many in the Pergola area. Deodar cedars were planted in the Hearst Castle Gardens during W. R. Hearst’s time; for example, several deodar cedars were growing east of La Casa del Monte, but they were removed when the North Terrace and Entrance were started in 1929. Hearst also planted the closely related Blue Atlas Cedar [...]
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Evergreen Azalea
Family: Heather Family (Ericaceae) Origin: There are 1000′s of cultivars organized into dozens of groups. These have been hybridized from 100′s of naturally occurring species native to North America, Asia, and Europe. At Hearst Castle: There are a number of different cultivars of evergreen azaleas grown on the hilltop. We have several Southern Indica group cultivars; they have a relatively high tolerance for sun and can be found along Azalea Walk. Comments: The huge genus Rhododendron [...]
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Foxglove
Family: Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae) Origin: Western Europe At Hearst Castle: Foxgloves naturalize in shady places and so can be found in abundance at the Castle where only a few were originally planted. Some places to find them include: the walk connecting the Hidden Terrace to the Neptune Dressing Rooms’ stairs, the stairs leading up to the Neptune Terrace next to La Casa del Sol, and under the large trees on the Main Terrace, across from La [...]
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Fuchsia boliviana varietyluxurians
Family: Evening-Primrose Family (Onagraceae). A family of about 20 genera and 500 species found only in the New World. It consists mostly of annuals and herbaceous perennials with a few shrubs. Includes many native wildflowers such as Willow-Herb, California Fuchsia, Clarkia, Farewell-to-Spring, Godetia, Suncups, Evening Primrose and Gaura. Origin: Native to Jamaica, Guatemala to Venezuela and Ecuador. Despite its species name “boliviana” this particular variety “luxurians” is not native to Bolivia. At Hearst Castle: Plantings on [...]
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Giant Dracaena or New Zealand Cabbage Tree
Family: Agave Family (Agavaceae). Family of about 500 species includes yuccas, tuberose, true dracena, sansevieria, as well as agaves. This family is related to Lily Family and is sometimes included in it. Origin: Native to New Zealand At Hearst Castle: Planted along the Esplanade at several locations: either side of the Main Terrace, near Casa Del Sol. Comments: This is the hardiest of the Cordylines, to 15 degrees F or lower. It is also drought tolerant. [...]
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Hodgett Rhododendron
Family: Heath Family (Ericaceae) Origin: Of hybrid origin. Rhododendron species are native to North America, Asia, and Europe. At Hearst Castle: Large specimen of Charlotte Hodgett is located at top of stairs from Neptune Terrace at the northeast corner of C House (Casa del Sol). Dozens of Rhododendrons of many cultivars are grown throughout the gardens, with flowers in shades of white, pink, rose, purple, and red. Comments: Rhododendron is a huge genus with about 800 [...]
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Hyacinths
Family: Lily Family (Liliaceae) Origin: Most cultivars come from Middle East and the Mediterranean Region At Hearst Castle: You can find them throughout the formal beds of the castle. Comments: Mentioned in a letter, Hearst is quoted, “I wanted to start the season with the early spring bulbs, such as tulips and hyacinths. I would like to use those in the formal beds. They do not last very long but they are very beautiful if properly [...]
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Irish Yew
Family: Yew Family (Taxaceae) Origin: The variety ‘Stricta’ is of horticultural origin, and the species Taxus baccata is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. At Hearst Castle: One on either side of the sarcophagus below the Three Graces across from the main door to La Casa del Mar. Comments: Irish Yews are very drought tolerant once established. In general, yews are more formal, darker green and more tolerant of shade and moisture than most [...]
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Italian Cypress
Family: Cupressaceae Origin: Native to southern Europe and western Asia At Hearst Castle: Italian Cypresses are important elements in the formal, Italianate gardens at Hearst Castle. They are planted at the Neptune Pool, the North Terrace, and the Gymnasium. Comments: The natural lifespan of an Italian cypres is several centuries. Our hilltop cypresses are not dying because of old age; they are more likely suffering from stress caused by crowded roots and lack of water. Italian [...]
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Japanese Anemone
Family: Buttercup family (ranunculaceae). Large family of more than 1500 species of mostly herbaceous plants in the Northern Hemisphere. Origin: Of hybrid origin from species native to China and Japan. At Hearst Castle: Growing near Venus of Cyrene and at the southwest corner of La Casa del Monte (C House). Comments: This long-lived, fibrous-rooted perennial if indispensible for fall color in partial shade. Also, makes a good cut flower. The word “anemone” is derived from the [...]
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Japanese Boxwood
Family: Boxwood Family (Buxaceae) Origin: Europe and Asia At Hearst Castle: Japanese Boxwood are found all throughout the formal Castle beds. They are used as a low hedge that surrounds the esplanade. Another common use at the Castle are as a parterre, inside of planting beds. Comments: Boxwoods are grown for their small, neat, dense, long-lived growth habit. Ideal for training into topiary shaped, formal hedges and mazes. Prune throughout the year to maintain shape. Description: [...]
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Lemon Bottlebrush
Family: Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae). Includes Eucalyptus, Australian Brush Cherry, Guava, and New Zealand Tea Tree, as well as the true Mediterranean Myrtle. Origin: Native to Australia. At Hearst Castle: Bottlebrushes are found growing along the Castle driveway, in front of the Guide Facility, on the south side of the tennis courts, and scattered throughout the gardens. Comments: The Greek translation of “Callistemon” means “beautiful stamens” referring to the long colorful male flower parts which are so [...]
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Lily Magnolia
Family: Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae) Origin: Native to China At Hearst Castle: One specimen is located behind the marble bench on the Main Terrace in the center opposite Galatea on the Dolphin and the lily pond. Description: Deciduous shrub to 12 feet tall. Leaves ovate. Flowers white inside and purplish outside. Blooms over long spring and summer season. Ours is probably the species Magnolia liliiflora and not a cultivar.
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Myrtle
Family: Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae) Origin: Native to Mediterranean region At Hearst Castle: Myrtle is used extensively as hedging throughout the grounds of the Enchanted Hill. The circular hedge near the south entrance to the Assembly room contains both regular Myrtle and the smaller-leafed Dwarf Myrtle. The two-tone leaves of Variegated Myrtle are seen at the top of the stairs next to the Discobolus bronze on C Terrace. Comments: The Myrtle has long been a symbolic plant [...]
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Naked Lady
Family: Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae). A large family with more than 1000 species closely related to the Lily Family. Most are herbaceous perennials with bulbous roots. Includes many plants cultivated for their attractive flowers, such as Agapanthus, Narcissus and Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily). Origin: Native to South Africa At Hearst Castle: Planted in 1995 at east end of South Terrace and in back courtyard of Casa Grande. Comments: The common name “Naked Lady” refers to the fact that [...]
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Oleander
Family: Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae) Origin: Native to Mediterranean region At Hearst Castle: Oleanders were used abundantly in the gardens of the Enchanted Hill from the early 1920s. The Pergola driveway features Oleanders specially trimmed into multi-trunked trees which appear to grow from leafy vases. Norman Rotanzi suggested this to Mr. Hearst before he left here in 1947, and Norman recalled Mr. Hearst approving this special treatment of the Oleanders from photographs sent to him in Beverly [...]
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Pansies
Family: Violaceae Origin: Eurasia At Hearst Castle: Planted as a border, pansies can be seen in the garden beds between all three guest houses and all along the esplanade walk. Comments: In a letter, dated September 1932, from Hearst to Reesing (head groundskeeper at the time), he states that, “The pansies amount to very little in cost, but it is exceedingly important to get the finest pansies and the finest colorings and beautiful mixtures… I think [...]
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Peace Rose
Family: Rose Family (Rosaceae) Origin: France 1945 At Hearst Castle: A fine example of ‘Peace climber’ is located on the south-east wall of La Casa del Mar. Also there are a pair climbing up the Mexican Fan Palms in front of La Casa del Monte. There are more, including standard and bush forms throughout the castle gardens. Comments: One of the best known and loved roses of all time. Like most roses, it likes full sun, [...]
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Petunia hybrida
Family: Tomato Family (Solanaceae) Origin: Many hybrids of original South American species At Hearst Castle: In Mr. Hearst’s day, Petunias were planted extensively for summer color in flower beds and pots throughout the grounds of the Enchanted Hill. Today they are planted by our grounds staff in non-drought years. Comments: Following are two excerpts from letters sent by Mr. Hearst to Miss Morgan: “We can get some of best effects with petunias. I do not think [...]
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Pomegranate
Family: Pomegranate Family (Punicaceae). This is a very small family of only 2 species, both in the genus Punica. Origin: Native to southern Asia, but long cultivated and naturalized in the Mediterranean region. At Hearst Castle: Planted along the driveway in the Pergola area; in a hedge along entry to tour 1 hello spot; a few along South Esplanade and South Terrace. Comments: Very drought-resistant and tolerant of heat; grown for fruit and for ornamental purposes. [...]
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Pyracantha, Firehorn
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family) Origin: China and the eastern Mediterranean At Hearst Castle: Pyracantha plantings occur in several places through out the formal Castle grounds as well as out in the pergola area, especially along the roadways. Comments: At least two species are mentioned in correspondence and nursery lists and several cultivars that were available between 1932-1944. In one letter to Nigel Keep, Hearst refers to Pyracanthus as “those berries” in a letter dated May 5, [...]
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Snap Dragon
Family: Scrophulariaceae Origin: Most from the Western Mediterranean region At Hearst Castle: These bedding plants can be seen in the 4 Italian cypress beds located adjacent to the Neptune Pool. They are also planted inside of the parterres that are between the Casa del Sol and Casa del Monte. Additional plantings can be seen throughout the Castle gardens. Comments: Snapdragons were noted by the ancient Greeks as Antirrhinon, nose-like. The French called them gueule de loup [...]
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Star Jasmine
Family: Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae). Large family with more than 1000 species, including ornamental plants such as Oleander, Periwinkle, Natal Plum, and Frangipani. Members of the family usually have stems with milky juice. Origin: Native to China At Hearst Castle: Planted in several locations at the tops of retaining walls and allowed to drape over the edge. Located at the North Terrace, either side of the stairs up to the Earring Terrace, along Azalea Walk (North Esplanade) [...]
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Sunburst Honey Locust
Family: Pea Family (Leguminosae) Origin: A cultivated variety (cultivar) of the Honey Locust, which is native to eastern United States. At Hearst Castle: One tree along stairs east of B House. This tree is a relatively recent planting from the 1970′s. Comments: This cultivar, ‘Sunburst,’ was developed for the color of its leaves and is especially effective when contrasted with dark green plants such as the Italian Cypress. The wild form of Honey Locust is very [...]
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Toyon “Christmas Berry and California Holly”
Family: Rose Family (Rosaceae) Origin: Native to California, including hilltop at Hearst Castle (found in Sierra Nevada foothills, coastal ranges south to Baja California) At Hearst Castle: There are many Toyons in the Pergola area, along the driveway, on Chinese Hill, below La Casa del Mar and La Casa del Sol, and elsewhere on the hilltop. Most of these are probably descendants of the many Toyons planted in W. R. Hearst’s time; he had them planted [...]
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Trailing Lantana
Family: Verbena Family (Verbenaceae) Origin: Native to South America At Hearst Castle: Trailing Lantana is used freely around the Esplanade, spilling in cascades over the retaining walls of the inner flower beds. Comments: Near the guest houses it is pruned into a teardrop shape. This idea was suggested to W.R. Hearst by Norman Rotanzi in 1946. Hearst liked the effect and told Norman to trim about half the lantana in the teardrop fashion and to leave [...]
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Tulips
Family: Lily Family (Liliaceae) Origin: Mediterranean region and across Asia to Japan. At Hearst Castle: Used as an annual for spring color in the parterres between La Casa del Mar and La Casa del Sol. Can be spotted in other areas of the formal gardens. Comments: There are more than 100 species of tulips. Most all require cold winters, or chilling for 6 weeks. Plants do best in full sun. Set bulbs out in October or [...]
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