- 2025 Orchid festival celebrates the flora and fauna of Peru
- Festival will feature stunning horticultural displays across the glasshouse
- Alpacas, flamingos, and a cornucopia of biodiversity will be created in floral form
- £1 entry for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Legacy Benefits and asylum applicants
Kew’s iconic Orchid festival returns in 2025 to brighten up the winter months. Taking over the Princess of Wales Conservatory from Saturday 1 February to Sunday 2 March 2025, the 29th Orchid festival draws inspiration from the unique flora and fauna of Peru.
From beaches and rainforests to deserts and mountains, Peru offers a varied landscape which is home to over 3000 species of orchid, and an incredible array of wildlife. This beauty and biodiversity will inspire a series of stunning horticultural displays and living sculptures in the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens in London.
A horticultural spectacular
As visitors step inside the glasshouse, the spectacular scenery of Peru will be recreated in floral form. A breathtaking cornucopia sitting on a grass island will take over the central pond, reminiscent of Lake Titicaca and inspired by one of Peru’s national symbols. Flamboyant flowers will tumble out, representing the abundance of biodiversity found in Peru, whilst in a smaller pond floral flamingos stand proud in front of the iconic Machu Picchu. The world’s largest bromeliad, the Puya raimondii (commonly known as the Queen of the Andes) will also be displayed alongside floral sculptures inspired by this incredible plant, classified as endangered in the wild by the IUCN. The country’s wonderfully diverse wildlife is celebrated with an orchid-aviary that brings to life the diverse bird populations of Peru, and visitors are welcomed by an alpaca bedecked in orchids. Elsewhere, you can wander beneath a starry night sky adorned with dazzling Allium flower heads which will be recycled from Kew’s outdoor garden displays.
Solene Dequiret, Supervisor of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew says:“We are thrilled to bring the biodiversity of Peru to life in this year’s Orchid festival. From the towering peaks of the Andes to precious fog oases and beyond, the rich tapestry of Peru’s flora and fauna provides an endless source of inspiration. Our team work tirelessly to create breathtaking displays that not only celebrate the beauty of orchids but also highlight the importance of conservation efforts globally. The Orchid festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and escape the winter blues while learning about Kew’s ongoing commitment to understand and protect our planet’s biodiversity.”
Kew Science and horticulture
RBG Kew works with partners across Peru on several vital scientific and research projects, including mapping ecosystems, forest restoration, conserving and restoring crop wild relatives and looking at ways agricultural practices can be adapted as we experience an everchanging climate. Recent fieldwork has also involved enhancing access to medicinal plants, working with paramotorists in the deserts to aid conservation efforts, and developing a partnership with the National Botanic Garden of Peru.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With Kew’s world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – Kew is using its trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity Kew relies on the critical support of its visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific and horticultural institution and conservation charity, whose mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. It is internationally respected for its outstanding collections, horticultural and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe. Kew Gardens, with its 132 hectares of historic, landscaped gardens, is also a major attraction for international and London visitors alike. Dating back to 1759, the site has a rich history and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003. Combined visitor numbers with Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, total over 2.5 million per year. Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world and a safeguard against the disastrous effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from the UK Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils, with the remaining two thirds coming from supporters, sponsors, memberships and commercial activity including ticket sales. This enables RBG Kew to carry out its vital scientific and educational work. For tickets and membership options, please visit our website. Since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 100,000 visitors with £1 tickets across both UK sites.
Source – Chloe Wells, Kew
Image credit – copyright RBG Kew
