Botanic Garden

Opened in 1996, the Botanic Garden has grown to 32 acres of exhibits, and showcases plants from the American Southwest and around the world.

The Botanic Garden’s BUGarium is one of the most elaborate exhibits dedicated to bugs and arthropods in the country.

The Travel Channel cites ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden as one of the top 12 in the country!

Seasonal Update:

Learn more about featured seasonal plants!

Desert rose, featured on 10/29/25: This succulent shrub in the dogbane family is native to desert regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and goes by the scientific name Adenium obesum. Brightly colored flowers bloom among clusters of bright green leaves at the tips of light-colored branches growing from the thick stem that stores water, making it highly drought-tolerant. The base, or caudex, is usually bulbous and gnarled, each its own unique sculpture, and they are often cultivated as a bonsai or potted since they can grow over 10 feet tall and five feet wide in their native habitat. 

Native desert-dwellers can make a great water-conscious choice here in Albuquerque and they thrive well in the heat in full sun, but the typically evergreen plant may lose its leaves during times of drought or dormancy during our colder winters if not protected. If not already indoors, they should be moved in when temperatures dip below 55º F. Soil should be well-draining and not allowed to dry out too much during their growing season. With the right care they can flower multiple times throughout the year, though the typical season is spring and summer when clusters of large, vibrant flowers in shades of pink or red dazzle in contrast with the foliage. But, this desert rose does have its metaphorical “thorn”: All parts of Adenium obesum are toxic, the sap has even been used to poison arrowheads! Take caution to keep it in a location safe from children, pets, and livestock; and use gloves when handling it yourself!

Pictured: in the Desert Conservatory

Rudbeckia, featured 10/22/25: Arrangements throughout the Botanic Garden help bring on the fall atmosphere with traditional pumpkins and gourds, the dark red of celosia, and a bright pop of yellow from rudbeckia! Species in the genus Rudbeckia, around 31 in total, and all are native to North America. The dark-colored raised center inspired the common name black-eyed Susan, but some are known as coneflowers. Species in this genus can be annual, biennial, or perennials and some are more hardy in our hot summers than others, but they are beloved for providing a pop of warm yellow to orange tones late into summer with their long blooming seasons. 

Here in Albuquerque, Rudbeckia fulgida is a great perennial choice that can take the heat while Rudbeckia hirta is less tolerant of the hot, dry summers and will behave more like an annual, but both are somewhat drought tolerant. Typically standing erect at around 2 to 3 feet tall, these wildflowers can thrive in many different types of gardens or containers in a moderate variety of well-drained soils and look great when planted en masse. Additionally, the large flowers can be about 6 inches across making them a nice landing pad for many types of pollinators, a host plant for some types of moths, and a source of seeds for many species of birds. With many cultivars available, Rudbeckia is ready to stand up and stand out for you, too!

Pictured: Rudbeckia 'Sunbeckia Marilyn'

Madagascar jasmine, featured 10/8/25: Part of the newly opened Lebanon & Beyond garden at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is an Orangerie, an addition to the Mediterranean Conservatory that provides a protected space for a special collection of plants like the iconic Lebanese citrus to weather our cold winters. Another tropical beauty that will thrive in this space is the striking star-shaped Madagascar jasmine, scientific name Stephanotis floribunda. Although not a true jasmine (genus Jasminum), they are known for their similar and intense fragrance. The pure white flowers and twining habit have also earned them the nickname “bridal wreath”, and they are popular for bridal bouquets, flower arrangements, and as ornamental climbers. In addition to adding a tropical flair, they improve the air quality when grown indoors and produce clusters of long-lasting blooms from spring to fall, sometimes even year-round with the right conditions.

Madagascar jasmine does best in the 68 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit range on the warm side and shouldn’t be exposed to lower than 39 degrees or sudden temperature changes, so it does best indoors or in a greenhouse here in New Mexico, where conditions can be controlled. While it needs bright light, it can be scorched by harsher rays so while direct morning light in an east-facing window is OK, it benefits more from indirect light during the hotter parts of the day. It also needs rich, consistently moist soil that is well-drained and high humidity and a trellis or arch should be provided to support its natural vining habit. Reducing water in winter will allow the plant to rest, while its bold evergreen foliage continues to provide interest. With proper care one plant can live for many years, making Madagascar jasmine a beautiful and beneficial long-term resident for your home, patio, or greenhouse!

Chrysanthemum, featured 9/24/25: The genus name comes from Ancient Greek words for "gold" and "flower." There are about 40 species of Chrysanthemum, and countless horticultural varieties and cultivars of this herbaceous flowering plant from East Asia. They are seen often in both Chinese and Japanese cultures, even featured on the Imperial Seal of Japan! Ornamental mums prefer cooler temperatures and are a perfect fall accent in the garden, so you'll see multiple rich shades in the arrangements decorating the Botanic Garden this season.

Although used as annuals at the Botanic Garden, in home gardens they can overwinter easily and will continue to bloom year after year. If left in the landscape over winter, mums, as they're often called, benefit from an early summer shear to keep them compact and to delay flowering until cooler temperatures arrive. While mums prefer full sun they will tolerate some shade, but too much will delay blooming and produce leggy growth. They prefer even moisture as the flowers will quickly fade if kept too dry. With thousands of cultivars to choose from, there is sure to be something to fit your fall color needs!