Plants of Lan Su
The plant collection at Lan Su presents hundreds of species that are native to China. It is home to more than fifty specimen trees, many rare and unusual shrubs and perennials, and curated collections of several significant species.
Now In Bloom
Wintersweet (臘梅)
Each December, Wintersweet (臘梅) begins its pleasant bloom in the Fragrance Courtyard at Lan Su Chinese Garden — a golden reminder that beauty can thrive even in cold months. In Chinese culture, Wintersweet is prized for its waxy-yellow blossoms and heady fragrance that emerge when most other flowers are gone, symbolizing perseverance and hope through hardship.
Learn More
Plant Guides
Download information about seasonal blooms, special plant types, and more.
Master Species List
View a full list of all Lan Su varieties throughout the year, including their Chinese names.
Spring Plant Guide
Spring brings a rainbow of blooms, from bright red camellias to graceful purple wisteria.
Summer Plant Guide
Summer brings some of our most iconic blooms, water lilies and lotus. But there are many more!
Fall Plant Guide
Autumn is one of the garden’s most eye-catching times, with reds and golds bursting within.
Winter Plant Guide
Learn about some of our hardy plants that are at their best during the colder winter months.
Penjing Guide
Discover the Chinese art of miniature landscaping, penjing. And no, it’s not just bonsai!
Medicinal Plant Guide
Learn about some of our species commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Meet Our Finned Friends!
We have 30+ koi and countless goldfish living in Lake Zither. Learn about their cultural significance, care requirements, and more in our Fish Guide!
Horticulture Programs
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#PlantWednesday Spotlight
Lan Su Chinese Garden 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, OregonJoin our horticulture team every Wednesday for a tour diving into a plant in its peak, gardening tips, and more.
Free with admission or membership -
#PlantWednesday Spotlight
Lan Su Chinese Garden 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, OregonJoin our horticulture team every Wednesday for a tour diving into a plant in its peak, gardening tips, and more.
Free with admission or membership -
#PlantWednesday Spotlight
Lan Su Chinese Garden 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, OregonJoin our horticulture team every Wednesday for a tour diving into a plant in its peak, gardening tips, and more.
Free with admission or membership
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Meet our Horticulture Team
Josie Losh
Curator of Horticulture
Josie is an acclaimed horticulturalist who has worked in both wholesale and retail plant nurseries. She received her M.S. in Botany from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. After obtaining her degree, she worked for China’s largest horticultural corporation playing a key role in their international affairs. Josie has visited at least five of Suzhou’s scholar gardens to connect with her peers in Lan Su’s sister city.
Patrick Person
Head Gardener
Patrick brings garden and landscaping experience from several well-known local companies, including Cornell Farm, Al’s Garden & Home, and Drake’s 7 Dees.
Got plant & garden questions?
Our Hort team can help!
Are you trying to care for one of the plant varieties at Lan Su in your own backyard? Or have a special plant you’d like to donate to our collection? Contact Lan Su’s Horticulture Department at 503-228-8131 #3506 or send us an email.