Delaware · Est. 1935
Mt. Cuba Center
Inspiring an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.
Founded
1935
Size
1,083 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7a
Best Season
April to November
About Mt. Cuba Center
Mt. Cuba Center is a non-profit botanical garden located in Hockessin, Delaware, near Wilmington, in the gently rolling hills of the Delaware Piedmont. It highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation, spanning over 1,000 acres of natural lands and gardens.
History & Heritage
The origins of Mt. Cuba Center took root more than 80 years ago when Lammot du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela Cunningham Copeland, purchased farmland in 1935 to build their home. In the 1960s, the Copelands became more interested in ecology and hired landscape architect Seth Kelsey to develop woodland wildflower gardens. Mt. Cuba Center transitioned to a public garden in 2001 after Mrs. Copeland passed away, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Signature Feature
The Ponds
The iconic beauty of the Ponds offers a serene environment for reflection, contemplation, and inspiration. A series of ponds are surrounded by plants that thrive in the wetland environment, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.
Photo Gallery
Native plants at Mt. Cuba Center
Lush botanical garden
Woodland path
Notable Collections
Trillium Collection
A nationally significant collection of Trillium species accredited by the Plant Collections Network.
Hexastylis Collection
A nationally significant collection of Hexastylis (heartleaf) species accredited by the Plant Collections Network.
Trial Garden
Evaluates native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value.
Native Plant Meadows
Meadows featuring a diverse array of native plants that support local ecosystems.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm (April-October); Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm (November)
Best seasonal window: April to November
Parking & Arrival
Cars, vans, and buses enter from Barley Mill Road and park in the designated guest parking lot.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Due to rolling terrain and mulched paths, access to some areas may be limited. Contact the center for specific accessibility details.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Best Botanical Garden in North America (USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, 2020)
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to November
Address
3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707
Phone
302-239-4244
Hours
Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm (April-October); Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm (November)
Admission
Adults: $20.00, Children 6-17: $10.00, Children Under 6: Free
Parking
Cars, vans, and buses enter from Barley Mill Road and park in the designated guest parking lot.
Accessibility
Due to rolling terrain and mulched paths, access to some areas may be limited. Contact the center for specific accessibility details.
Insider Tips
- 1Book a Welcome Walk or Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour.
- 2Explore the nearly three miles of scenic trails in the natural lands.
- 3Check the class schedule for educational opportunities.
- 4Visit during Wildflower Weekend in late April for spectacular blooms.
Nearby Attractions
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (6 miles)
- Longwood Gardens (8 miles)
- Wilmington, DE (8 miles)