The World's Most Prestigious Flower Shows: A Florist’s Guide

Beyond Chelsea and Portland, the world hosts extraordinary flower shows that celebrate horticultural excellence, showcase breathtaking blooms, and inspire gardeners globally. This florist guide explores the most prestigious international flower festivals, their unique floral specialties, and what makes each unmissable for flower enthusiasts.

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (United Kingdom)

Overview and Significance

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, held annually in early July in the grounds of Henry VIII's magnificent palace, is the world's largest flower show. While Chelsea focuses on perfection and prestige, Hampton Court offers a more relaxed, accessible celebration of gardening with spectacular emphasis on roses, summer perennials, and practical garden design.

Established in 1990, Hampton Court has become the summer counterpoint to Chelsea, showcasing plants at their mid-summer peak when roses reach their second flush and perennials hit full stride. The show's riverside setting along the Thames creates a unique atmosphere combining royal history with horticultural innovation.

When to Visit

Dates: Early July (typically first or second week), running Tuesday through Sunday

Peak Blooms:

• Roses in their spectacular second flush

• Summer perennials at peak performance

• Daylilies in full bloom

• Lilies of all types

• Hydrangeas beginning their show

• Late-flowering clematis

• Herbaceous borders at their most lush

Best Days: Tuesday and Wednesday (RHS member priority) offer fewer crowds and fresher displays. Friday through Sunday are family-friendly with extended activities.

Spectacular Floral Displays

Show Gardens: Larger than Chelsea's (up to 250 square meters), these gardens demonstrate realistic, achievable designs for home gardeners. Expect:

• Rose Gardens: Extensive rose plantings showcasing hundreds of varieties, from classic David Austin English roses to modern disease-resistant cultivars

• Cottage Garden Designs: Overflowing with summer perennials—delphiniums, phlox, campanulas, geraniums, and salvias

• Mediterranean Gardens: Lavender, cistus, santolina, and drought-tolerant plants thriving in gravel

• Wildlife Gardens: Native flowers, meadow plantings, and pollinator-friendly designs

• Cutting Gardens: Demonstrating how to grow flowers for arrangements

• Small Space Gardens: Urban solutions featuring container plantings and vertical gardens

Floral Marquees: Massive tents housing specialist exhibits:

• Rose Pavilion: The crown jewel, featuring leading rose nurseries displaying hundreds of varieties. You'll see:

  • New rose introductions making their debut

  • Rare heritage varieties

  • Climbing roses trained on elaborate structures

  • David Austin's latest creations

  • Scented rose collections

  • Disease-resistant modern varieties

• Summer Perennial Displays: Nurseries create stunning arrangements featuring:

  • Delphiniums in electric blues and purples

  • Phlox in pinks, whites, and purples

  • Daylilies (hemerocallis) in extraordinary colors

  • Hostas with spectacular foliage

  • Hardy geraniums in complementary drifts

  • Salvias in every shade imaginable

  • Campanulas (bellflowers) in blues and whites

• Lily Exhibits: July is peak lily season, with displays featuring:

  • Oriental lilies with enormous, fragrant blooms

  • Asiatic lilies in vibrant colors

  • Trumpet lilies

  • Species lilies and rare varieties

  • Tree lilies reaching 8 feet tall

Must-See Flowers:

• Roses: Over 1,000 varieties on display

• Delphiniums: Towering spikes in blues, purples, whites

• Lilies: Every type from miniatures to giants

• Hydrangeas: Early bloomers showing color

• Phlox: Fragrant summer perennials

• Agapanthus: Blue or white spherical blooms

• Dahlias: Early varieties beginning their long season

Practical Information

Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU

Getting There:

• Train: Hampton Court Station (direct from London Waterloo)

• Riverboat: Thames river services from central London

• Car: Parking available (book in advance)

Tickets: £25-45 depending on day and time. RHS members receive discounts.

What Makes It Special:

• More relaxed than Chelsea

• Larger gardens showing realistic designs

• Spectacular rose displays

• Beautiful riverside palace setting

• Family-friendly atmosphere

• Extensive shopping opportunities

Keukenhof Gardens (Netherlands)

Overview and Significance

Keukenhof, located in Lisse between Amsterdam and The Hague, is the world's most spectacular spring bulb display. Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof showcases approximately 7 million bulbs planted annually across 79 acres, creating the planet's most breathtaking celebration of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Established in 1949 to showcase Dutch bulb industry excellence, Keukenhof has become a pilgrimage site for flower lovers worldwide. The gardens demonstrate Dutch horticultural mastery and introduce new bulb varieties while celebrating traditional favorites.

When to Visit

Dates: Mid-March to mid-May (approximately 8 weeks)

Peak Blooms by Period:

• Late March/Early April:

  • Early crocuses

  • Early daffodils and narcissus

  • Grape hyacinths (muscari)

  • Early species tulips

• Mid-April (PEAK):

  • Tulips at absolute maximum bloom

  • Daffodils and narcissus in full glory

  • Hyacinths perfuming the air

  • Fritillarias

  • Anemones

• Late April/Early May:

  • Late tulips

  • Alliums beginning

  • Late daffodils

  • Flowering trees (cherry, magnolia)

Best Time: Mid-April offers the most spectacular tulip displays and ideal weather.

Best Days: Weekdays, especially Tuesday-Thursday, avoid weekend crowds. Early morning (opening at 8:00 AM) provides the most peaceful experience.

Spectacular Floral Displays

Tulip Displays: The main attraction, featuring:

• Historical Tulips: Varieties from the 17th-century "Tulipmania" era

• Darwin Hybrid Tulips: Tall, sturdy, vibrant colors

• Triumph Tulips: Classic mid-season varieties

• Parrot Tulips: Ruffled, feathered petals

• Lily-Flowered Tulips: Elegant pointed petals

• Fringed Tulips: Delicate crystalline edges

• Double Tulips: Peony-like blooms

• Species Tulips: Wild tulip varieties

• Viridiflora Tulips: Green-marked petals

• Black Tulips: Deep purple-black varieties

Color Gardens: Themed areas by color:

• Orange Garden (Dutch national color)

• White Garden (elegant monochromatic display)

• Pink Garden (soft romantic hues)

• Purple Garden (regal displays)

• Yellow Garden (sunshine colors)

• Rainbow Garden (full spectrum)

Formal Gardens: Dutch formal design featuring:

• Geometric tulip beds in patterns

• Straight paths lined with hyacinths

• Sculptured hedges and topiary

• Mirror pools reflecting tulips

• Fountain gardens surrounded by blooms

Woodland Gardens: Naturalistic plantings under flowering trees:

• Daffodils carpeting beneath trees

• Tulips in informal drifts

• Cherry blossoms overhead

• Magnolias and camellias

• Spring wildflowers

Inspiration Gardens: Twenty-five individual gardens designed by leading Dutch designers, showcasing innovative planting combinations and contemporary design trends.

Pavilions:

• Willem-Alexander Pavilion: Tropical and subtropical plants

• Oranje Nassau Pavilion: Tulip exhibitions and displays

• Beatrix Pavilion: Orchids, anthuriums, and exotic flowers

Must-See Flowers

Tulips (7+ million bulbs, 800+ varieties):

• 'Queen of Night': Deep purple-black

• 'Apeldoorn': Classic red Darwin hybrid

• 'White Triumphator': Elegant white lily-flowered

• 'Angelique': Double pink perfection

• 'Ballerina': Fragrant orange lily-flowered

• 'Black Hero': Double dark purple

• 'Spring Green': White with green flames

• 'Orca': Red and white feathered parrot tulip

Daffodils and Narcissus (hundreds of varieties):

• Large-cupped daffodils

• Double daffodils

• Miniature species

• Fragrant jonquils

• Split-corona varieties

• Multi-headed types

Hyacinths:

• Blue hyacinths in masses

• Pink varieties

• White hyacinths

• Yellow and orange types

• Double hyacinths

Other Bulbs:

• Grape hyacinths (muscari) in blue rivers

• Fritillarias (checkered lilies)

• Anemones in jewel tones

• Early alliums

• Scillas and chionodoxa

Flowering Trees:

• Cherry blossoms (hundreds of trees)

• Magnolias

• Crabapples

• Flowering pears

Practical Information

Location: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands

Getting There:

• Bus: Direct Keukenhof Express from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (30 minutes)

• Bus: From Leiden Central Station

• Car: Parking available (reserve online)

• Bicycle: Bike routes through bulb fields

Tickets: €19.50 adults (book online in advance for discounts and guaranteed entry)

Strategy:

• Visit midweek for smaller crowds

• Arrive at opening (8:00 AM) for best light and fewest people

• Bring wide-angle lens for vast color fields

• Wear comfortable shoes (extensive walking)

• Allow 3-4 hours minimum

Beyond Keukenhof:

• Bicycle through surrounding bulb fields (peak late April)

• Visit nearby Haarlem for flower markets

• Explore tulip farms offering picking experiences

Floriade (Netherlands)

Overview and Significance

Floriade is the world's largest international horticultural exposition, held once every 10 years in the Netherlands. Unlike annual flower shows, Floriade is a massive, six-month-long festival showcasing global horticultural innovation, sustainable design, and spectacular flowers from dozens of countries.

Each Floriade explores a different theme, with participating nations creating elaborate pavilions and gardens. The scale is unprecedented—covering 60+ hectares (150+ acres) with millions of plants.

When to Visit

Schedule: Once per decade, typically April through October

Next Floriade: 2032 (location to be announced)

Previous Locations:

• 2022: Almere

• 2012: Venlo

• 2002: Haarlemmermeer

Peak Times:

• Spring (April-May): Tulips, daffodils, spring bulbs at peak

• Early Summer (June-July): Roses, perennials, bedding displays

• Late Summer (August-September): Dahlias, late perennials, tropical plants

What to Expect

International Pavilions: Countries worldwide create themed gardens showcasing:

• Native flowers and plants

• Cultural garden styles

• Sustainable innovations

• National horticultural achievements

Thematic Gardens: Demonstrating concepts like:

• Urban agriculture

• Climate-adapted planting

• Vertical gardens

• Edible landscaping

• Biodiversity gardens

• Therapeutic gardens

Spectacular Displays:

• Millions of bulbs in spring

• Vast rose gardens in summer

• Innovative flower arrangements

• Cutting-edge garden design

• Educational exhibits

Flowers Throughout the Season:

• Spring: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths dominating displays

• Summer: Roses, perennials, annuals in peak bloom

• Autumn: Dahlias, chrysanthemums, fall colors

Practical Information

Duration: Six months (typically April-October)

Tickets: Available online; multi-day passes offer value for serious flower enthusiasts

Scale: Plan multiple visits to see seasonal changes and fully explore the extensive grounds

Tulip Time Festival (Australia)

Overview and Significance

Held annually in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, Australia's Tulip Time Festival at Tesselaar's Bulb Farm showcases spectacular Southern Hemisphere tulip displays. With over 250,000 tulips blooming across five acres, this September-October festival offers spring bulb beauty when the Northern Hemisphere experiences autumn.

When to Visit

Dates: September through October (Australian spring)

Peak Bloom: Late September typically offers maximum tulip bloom

Spectacular Displays

Tulip Fields: Mass plantings featuring:

• Color-blocked fields creating vivid patterns

• Rainbow displays mixing varieties

• Cutting garden rows

• Display gardens with themed arrangements

Tulip Varieties:

• Dutch varieties thriving in Australian conditions

• Heat-tolerant selections

• Fragrant tulips

• Unique color combinations

Companion Flowers:

• Daffodils and narcissus

• Ranunculus in vibrant colors

• Anemones

• Iceland poppies

• Flowering bulbs

Practical Information

Location: Tesselaar's Bulb Farm, Silvan, Victoria

Tickets: Available at gate or online

Activities:

• Pick-your-own tulip areas

• Display gardens

• Bulb sales for Southern Hemisphere planting

• Photography opportunities

Floralia Brussels (Belgium)

Overview and Significance

Held at the Castle of Grand-Bigard near Brussels, Floralia is Belgium's most spectacular spring flower festival. The castle grounds transform into a breathtaking display featuring millions of spring bulbs naturalized beneath ancient trees, creating one of Europe's most romantic floral settings.

When to Visit

Dates: Mid-April through mid-May

Peak Bloom: Late April offers maximum tulip and bulb displays

Spectacular Displays

Woodland Bulbs:

• Millions of daffodils naturalized under trees

• Rivers of blue muscari

• Carpets of crocuses

• Erythroniums and other woodland bulbs

Tulip Displays:

• Formal tulip beds

• Wild tulips in grass

• Tulips beneath flowering trees

• Color-themed garden rooms

Historic Setting:

• 14th-century castle backdrop

• Ancient trees

• Formal gardens

• Water features

Special Features:

• Daffodils carpeting lawns

• Blue muscari rivers

• Cherry blossom allées

• Hyacinths perfuming gardens

Practical Information

Location: Castle of Grand-Bigard, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium

Access: Short drive or train from Brussels

Tickets: Purchase online or at entrance

Canadian Tulip Festival (Canada)

Overview and Significance

Ottawa's Canadian Tulip Festival is North America's largest tulip festival, celebrating the historic gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Dutch royal family after World War II. The festival now features over 1 million tulips planted throughout Canada's capital, creating spectacular urban displays.

When to Visit

Dates: May (typically 10-12 days mid-month)

Peak Bloom: Mid-May, though bloom times vary by location and weather

Spectacular Displays

Commissioners Park: The festival centerpiece featuring:

• 300,000+ tulips in formal beds

• Dow's Lake waterfront setting

• Color-coordinated plantings

• Spectacular backdrop of Ottawa landmarks

Throughout Ottawa:

• Major's Hill Park: Tulips with Parliament Hill views

• Rideau Hall: Royal tulip gardens

• ByWard Market: Urban tulip displays

• Residential neighborhoods: Community plantings

Tulip Varieties:

• Classic Darwin hybrids

• Triumph tulips

• Lily-flowered varieties

• Parrot tulips

• Double tulips

• Species tulips

Practical Information

Location: Multiple sites throughout Ottawa, Ontario

Peak Viewing: Commissioners Park and Major's Hill Park

Free Events: Most tulip viewing is free; festival offers paid special events

Aalsmeer Flower Auction (Netherlands)

Overview and Significance

While not a traditional flower show, the Royal FloraHolland Aalsmeer auction is the world's largest flower market, where approximately 20 million flowers are traded daily. This behind-the-scenes look at the global flower industry offers unparalleled insight into flower production and distribution.

When to Visit

Visiting Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00-11:00 AM (viewing gallery open to public)

Best Days: Wednesday-Friday see maximum activity

Peak Season: March-May for spring flowers; year-round for tropical imports

What to See

Auction Process:

• Dutch clock auction system (descending price)

• Thousands of flower lots per hour

• Buyers from 100+ countries

• Roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, and hundreds of other species

Flower Diversity:

• Every commercial flower variety

• Seasonal specialties

• Tropical imports

• Cut foliage and greenery

• Potted plants

Scale:

• 120 football fields of floor space

• 20 million flowers daily

• 12 billion flowers annually

Practical Information

Location: Legmeerdijk 313, 1431 GB Aalsmeer, Netherlands

Admission: Small fee for viewing gallery

Tips:

• Arrive early (7:00 AM) for most activity

• Photography allowed from gallery

• Café available

• Gift shop with flower-related items

Hitachi Seaside Park (Japan)

Overview and Significance

Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture offers one of Japan's most spectacular seasonal flower displays, most famous for its "baby blue eyes" (Nemophila) that transform hillsides into blue oceans each spring, and its autumn kochia turning bright red.

When to Visit

Spring (Late April-May):

• Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes): 4.5 million plants creating blue hillsides

• Tulips in Dutch-style gardens

• Daffodils

• Flowering trees

Summer (July-August):

• Zinnias

• Marigolds

• Sunflowers

• Summer perennials

Autumn (October):

• Kochia (burning bush) turning crimson red

• Cosmos fields

• Autumn foliage

Peak Times:

• Late April/Early May: Nemophila at peak

• Mid-October: Kochia at peak red color

Spectacular Displays

Miharashi Hill: The park's iconic feature covered in:

• Spring: Blue nemophila carpeting hills

• Autumn: Red kochia creating crimson domes

Seasonal Flower Fields:

• Color-blocked plantings

• Massive sweeps of single species

• Japanese aesthetic of simplicity and impact

Other Flowers:

• Cherry blossoms in early spring

• Roses in dedicated gardens

• Native Japanese wildflowers

• Ornamental grasses

Practical Information

Location: Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture (2 hours from Tokyo)

Access: Train to Katsuta Station, then bus to park

Admission: ¥450 adults (approximately $3-4 USD)

Tips:

• Visit weekdays to avoid crowds

• Early morning offers best light

• Park is vast—allow full day

• Bicycle rentals available

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (USA)

Overview and Significance

Located 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival showcases America's largest tulip farming region. During April, valley fields explode with color as millions of tulips bloom across hundreds of acres, creating striped patterns visible from miles away.

When to Visit

Dates: April (entire month, though exact dates vary)

Peak Bloom: Mid-April typically offers maximum bloom, but weather varies yearly

Bloom Prediction: Festival website updates bloom status daily

Spectacular Displays

Tulip Fields: Working commercial farms open to visitors:

• RoozenGaarde: Display garden with millions of tulips

  • Formal gardens

  • Greenhouse displays

  • Tulip varieties for sale

  • Color-coordinated field plantings

• Tulip Town: Extensive display gardens

  • Show gardens

  • Fields in bloom

  • Indoor displays

  • Tulip cutting areas

Field Viewing:

• Striped agricultural fields (view from roadsides)

• Color-blocked plantings

• Working bulb farms

• Irrigation canals lined with tulips

Tulip Varieties:

• Commercial varieties grown for bulb production

• Color selections

• Early and late varieties extending season

Daffodils:

• La Conner Daffodils earlier in season

• Fields of golden blooms

• Scenic backdrops of mountains and water

Practical Information

Location: Skagit Valley, Washington (Mount Vernon, La Conner, Burlington)

Access:

• Drive from Seattle (1.5 hours)

• Organized tour buses available

• Bicycle routes through valley

Tickets: Individual farms charge admission ($7-15)

Tips:

• Visit weekdays for manageable crowds

• Arrive early (gates open at 9:00 AM)

• Bring camera with wide-angle lens

• Respect private property—view only from designated areas

• Check bloom status before visiting

• Allow full day to explore multiple farms

Singapore Garden Festival

Overview and Significance

Asia's premier garden and flower show, held biennially in Singapore, showcases tropical and subtropical flowers alongside world-class garden design. The show brings together international designers and tropical horticulture in spectacular displays unique to equatorial regions.

When to Visit

Schedule: Every two years (biennial), typically July-August

Duration: 10 days

Next Festival: Check official website for current dates

Spectacular Displays

Landscape Gardens: Competition gardens featuring:

• Tropical flowers and foliage

• Orchids integrated into designs

• Bromeliads and heliconias

• Exotic palms and ferns

• Water features with aquatic tropicals

Floral Displays: Featuring tropical specialties:

• Orchids (thousands of plants)

• Heliconias in brilliant colors

• Gingers and relatives

• Tropical lilies

• Anthuriums

• Bird of paradise

• Plumeria

• Tropical roses

Fantasy Gardens: Artistic installations using:

• Cut flowers in elaborate designs

• Living plants sculpted into art

• Moss and preserved materials

• Innovative techniques

Floral Windows Competition: Designers create window-sized floral artworks demonstrating:

• Color theory

• Textural combinations

• Innovative materials

• Artistic expression

Must-See Flowers

Orchids: Singapore's signature flower

• Vanda orchids

• Dendrobium varieties

• Phalaenopsis hybrids

• Singapore's national flower (Vanda Miss Joaquim)

• Rare species

Tropical Specialties:

• Heliconias (lobster claws)

• Gingers

• Anthuriums

• Bromeliads

• Tropical water lilies

• Plumeria

Practical Information

Location: Varies (recent festivals at Gardens by the Bay)

Tickets: Available online and at entrance

Climate: Hot and humid—Singapore's tropical climate

Tips:

• Visit early morning for coolest temperatures

• Hydrate frequently

• Photography encouraged

• Combine with visit to Gardens by the Bay

Ghent Floralies (Belgium)

Overview and Significance

Held once every five years in Ghent, Belgium, the Ghent Floralies (Gentse Floraliën) is one of the world's most prestigious flower shows. This historic event, dating to 1809, transforms Flanders Expo into a floral wonderland featuring elaborate gardens, cutting-edge design, and spectacular flower displays from around the world.

When to Visit

Schedule: Every five years (quinquennial), typically April-May

Duration: 10 days

Next Festival: 2025

Previous Years: 2021 (postponed due to pandemic), 2016, 2011, 2005

Spectacular Displays

International Gardens: Countries and regions create elaborate themed gardens featuring:

• National flowers and plants

• Cultural garden styles

• Innovative design concepts

• Spectacular color schemes

Cut Flower Displays: Florists and designers create:

• Massive flower arrangements

• Artistic installations

• Living sculptures

• Floral artworks

Competition Gardens: World-renowned designers compete for prestigious awards with:

• Show-stopping concepts

• Innovative plantings

• Spectacular execution

• Horticultural excellence

Specialty Exhibits:

• Orchid displays

• Azalea and rhododendron gardens

• Begonia arrangements

• Belgian specialty plants

• Rose collections

Must-See Flowers

Belgian Specialties:

• Begonias (Belgium is famous for tuberous begonias)

• Azaleas

• Rhododendrons

Seasonal Flowers:

• Tulips

• Daffodils

• Hyacinths

• Flowering trees

• Spring perennials

Greenhouse Flowers:

• Orchids

• Tropical plants

• Exotic specimens

Practical Information

Location: Flanders Expo, Ghent, Belgium

Access: Train from Brussels (30 minutes)

Tickets: Available online (advance booking recommended)

Tips:

• Visit weekdays for smaller crowds

• Allow full day—show is extensive

• Photography encouraged

• Combine with exploring historic Ghent

International Orchid Show (Various Locations)

Overview and Significance

Major orchid shows occur globally, with the most prestigious including the World Orchid Conference (held every three years in different countries), the Tokyo Dome Orchid Show, and the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. These events showcase the world's most spectacular orchids.

Major Shows

Tokyo Dome Orchid Show (Japan):

• Annual, February

• Asia's largest orchid show

• Spectacular displays from Japanese and international growers

• Thousands of orchids in bloom

Santa Barbara International Orchid Show (USA):

• Annual, March

• Premier American orchid show

• Competition orchids

• Vendor sales

• Educational programs

World Orchid Conference:

• Every three years, rotating locations

• International participation

• Cutting-edge breeding

• Rare species

• Academic presentations

What to See

Orchid Types:

• Phalaenopsis: Moth orchids in countless colors

• Cattleyas: Large, showy blooms

• Dendrobiums: Spray orchids

• Vandas: Blue and purple specialties

• Paphiopedilums: Slipper orchids

• Cymbidiums: Cool-growing orchids

• Oncidiums: Dancing ladies

• Rare species: One-of-a-kind plants

Display Styles:

• Competition plants (single perfect specimens)

• Massed displays creating color impact

• Naturalistic arrangements

• Artistic installations

• Educational exhibits

Practical Information

Finding Shows:

• American Orchid Society website lists major shows

• Royal Horticultural Society lists international events

• Local orchid societies organize regional shows

What to Bring:

• Camera for inspiration

• Notebook for plant names

• Budget for purchases (orchids often sold)

• Questions for growers

Comparing the World's Great Flower Shows

Scale and Duration

Largest:

• Floriade (60+ hectares, 6 months, once per decade)

• Hampton Court (6 hectares, 5 days, annual)

• Keukenhof (79 acres, 8 weeks, annual)

Most Intensive:

• Chelsea (11 acres, 5 days, ultimate prestige)

• Ghent Floralies (extensive, 10 days, quinquennial)

Longest Season:

• Portland Rose Festival (3-4 weeks, annual)

• Floriade (6 months, decennial)

Floral Specialties

Best for Roses:

1. Portland Rose Festival (dedicated rose celebration)

2. Hampton Court Palace (spectacular rose pavilion)

3. Baden-Baden Rose Show (Germany)

Best for Tulips and Bulbs:

1. Keukenhof (unmatched tulip displays)

2. Skagit Valley (working tulip fields)

3. Canadian Tulip Festival (urban displays)

4. Floralia Brussels (romantic castle setting)

Best for Orchids:

1. Singapore Garden Festival (tropical orchids)

2. Tokyo Dome Orchid Show (scale and variety)

3. World Orchid Conference (rarity and breeding)

Best for Summer Perennials:

1. Hampton Court Palace (peak summer bloom)

2. Chelsea (if visiting in May)

Best for Tropical Flowers:

1. Singapore Garden Festival (unparalleled tropical displays)

2. Honolulu Orchid Society Show

Best for Garden Design:

1. Chelsea (cutting-edge concepts)

2. Floriade (international innovation)

3. Ghent Floralies (artistic excellence)

Accessibility and Atmosphere

Most Accessible:

• Hampton Court (relaxed, family-friendly)

• Keukenhof (straightforward entry)

• Canadian Tulip Festival (free outdoor displays)

Most Exclusive:

• Chelsea (prestige and competition)

• Ghent Floralies (rarity—quinquennial)

Best Value:

• Keukenhof (extensive displays, reasonable admission)

• Hampton Court (size and scope)

• Hitachi Seaside Park (minimal admission, vast grounds)

Most Romantic:

• Floralia Brussels (castle setting)

• Keukenhof (spring beauty)

• Skagit Valley (agricultural landscapes)

Planning Your Flower Show Journey

For Rose Lovers: Portland, Hampton Court, Chelsea

For Bulb Enthusiasts: Keukenhof, Canadian Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley, Floralia Brussels

For Tropical Flowers: Singapore Garden Festival, Hawaii orchid shows

For Garden Design Inspiration: Chelsea, Floriade, Ghent Floralies

For Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Floriade, Ghent Floralies (due to rarity)

For Photography: Keukenhof, Hitachi Seaside Park, Skagit Valley (vast color fields)

For Hands-On Experience: Skagit Valley (pick-your-own), Aalsmeer (behind-the-scenes)

FloristThoughts: A World of Flowers

The world's great flower shows offer different perspectives on horticultural beauty. Chelsea represents perfection and prestige, Keukenhof celebrates spring bulbs on an unprecedented scale, Hampton Court demonstrates practical garden design, while Singapore showcases tropical exotics unknown to temperate climates.

Each show reflects its culture, climate, and horticultural heritage. Dutch shows celebrate bulb mastery, British shows emphasize roses and perennials, Japanese shows demonstrate aesthetic restraint and massed color, while American festivals showcase regional specialties.

For flower enthusiasts, experiencing multiple international shows provides comprehensive horticultural education, design inspiration from diverse traditions, and appreciation for the incredible variety of flowers thriving in different climates worldwide.

Whether you travel specifically for flower shows or incorporate them into broader trips, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences—the scent of millions of tulips at Keukenhof, the sight of Hampton Court's rose pavilion, the artistic mastery of Ghent Floralies, or the tropical splendor of Singapore's orchid displays.

Plan your floral pilgrimage, pack your camera, bring your passion for flowers, and prepare to be inspired by the world's most spectacular celebrations of botanical beauty.