You know that feeling when London finally decides it’s spring? It’s not just the sunshine—it’s the sudden, almost aggressive arrival of flowers everywhere. If you walked through SW3 between May 19th and May 25th, you saw it. Chelsea in Bloom 2025 literally turned the neighborhood into a botanical runway.
No, seriously.
It’s the 20th anniversary of the festival. Twenty years of shops trying to outdo each other with petals and moss. This year, they teamed up with the British Fashion Council for a theme called Flowers in Fashion. It’s a perfect fit, honestly. Chelsea has been the heart of British style forever, from the roaring twenties to the grit of the punk era.
While the "real" Chelsea Flower Show is tucked behind the gates of the Royal Hospital (and costs a small fortune to enter), Chelsea in Bloom is free. You just walk. You gawk. You take photos of a giant floral punk with a four-metre mohawk.
The Most Unhinged Displays of Chelsea in Bloom 2025
Walking down the King’s Road this year felt like a fever dream in the best way possible. Some displays were subtle. Others were... not.
Take the punk display. It’s a massive, towering head with a spiked mohawk made entirely of blooms. It’s a nod to the 70s Vivienne Westwood era that defined this part of London. It’s weird. It’s loud. It’s exactly what the festival needed to avoid being too "polite."
Then you have the giant yellow wellies. They were sitting under a flurry of umbrellas, a cheeky poke at the fact that it always rains in England anyway. People were lining up for ages just to get a selfie with them.
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Who actually won the awards?
The judging for this thing is brutal. They have Gold, Silver, Bronze, and the "Best Floral Display" award.
- Best Floral Display: This went to Jessica McCormack. Their installation was a masterclass in how to blend fine jewelry aesthetics with raw nature.
- Innovation Award: Won by Andreas. They did something really interesting with textures that made everyone stop and stare.
- Highly Commended: Massimo Dutti and Antique Modern Mix. Both were stunning, but in very different ways. Massimo Dutti went for a sleek, high-fashion vibe, while Antique Modern Mix felt more like a vintage treasure chest overflowing with petals.
Sloane Street also stepped up its game. Since it’s been transformed into a "green boulevard," the displays there felt more integrated. We’re talking supersized Elton John-style sunglasses and a floral couture gown that was a tribute to Jane Austen. It’s that mix of high culture and kitsch that makes this event work so well.
Why "Flowers in Fashion" Felt Different This Year
In previous years, themes like "Extraordinary Voyages" or "British Icons" were great, but they felt a bit... expected?
Linking up with the British Fashion Council Foundation changed the energy. This wasn't just about pretty shopfronts. It was about craftsmanship.
I talked to a few florists during the week. One of them mentioned how they spent thirty hours just pinning individual petals onto a "fabric" made of moss. That’s the kind of dedication that usually happens behind the closed doors of a couture house.
The Sustainability Shift
There’s a growing tension in the floral world. People are over the single-use plastic foam (floral foam) that used to be the industry standard.
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At Chelsea in Bloom 2025, you could see the shift. Les Néréides used something called Agra Wool—a biodegradable alternative—for their life-size ballerina display. Lavender Green Flowers (who also did the main London Gate at the RHS show) focused on British-grown stems and ethically sourced materials.
It's not perfect yet. Some shops still use "silk" (plastic) flowers so the display lasts longer than a week. But the trend is clearly moving toward "roots-on" or dried elements. Larry Walshe is a big proponent of this, often using dried and preserved ingredients that don't just wither after 48 hours in the London wind.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to go next year (because yes, it’ll be back in May 2026), don't just wander aimlessly. You'll miss the good stuff.
- Start at Sloane Square. It’s the easiest jumping-off point. Grab a coffee and head toward Pavilion Road.
- The Rickshaws are real. There are free floral rickshaws that can take you between the main sites. They’re technically complimentary, but tipping the driver is the right move.
- Tuesday is the sweet spot. The displays are fresh. By Friday, if it’s been a hot week, some of the hydrangeas start looking a little sad. If it’s rained, the orchids might look a bit battered.
- Check out the "Belgravia in Bloom" overlap. Just a ten-minute walk away, Belgravia usually runs their own festival at the same time. This year their theme was "The Seasons," and it’s often a bit quieter and more "village-like" than the King’s Road madness.
The Cultural Impact of the 20th Anniversary
Twenty years is a long time for a "free" event to survive in London.
Initially, it was just a few shops putting out some nice pots. Now, it’s a full-scale production. Cadogan Estates (the people who own most of Chelsea) really lean into it. It brings in footfall, sure, but it also creates this weird, collective community pride.
Even the restaurants get in on it. The Ivy Chelsea Garden is always a heavy hitter. Their facade usually looks like a fairy tale. This year, they leaned into the fashion theme with a couture-inspired entrance that felt like a Met Gala red carpet made of peonies.
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Is it actually worth the crowd?
Honestly? Yes.
London can feel gray and hurried. For one week, Chelsea feels like a playground. You see kids running around the giant floral animals and elderly couples critiquing the choice of roses like they’re professional judges.
It’s one of the few times you’ll see the "Sloane Ranger" crowd rubbing shoulders with tourists from all over the world, all united by the fact that someone managed to make a replica of Lady Gaga’s meat dress out of red lace leaves (shout out to Provenance Butcher on Pavilion Road for that one).
Actionable Tips for Future Visitors
If you want to experience the floral magic without the stress, keep these points in mind:
- Download the Map Early: The official Chelsea in Bloom website releases a PDF map a few days before the event. Use it to find the "Central Installations"—these are the big ones not attached to a shop.
- Vote for the People's Choice: There is always a public vote. It’s usually done via the website, and it’s a fun way to feel involved.
- Stay for the "Sell-Off": On the final Saturday of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (not necessarily the "In Bloom" event, but they overlap), many exhibitors sell off their plants at 4:00 PM. It’s a literal scramble, but you can get world-class perennials for a few pounds if you have sharp elbows.
Chelsea in Bloom 2025 proved that the event isn't just a side-show to the RHS anymore. It’s a standalone cultural moment. The fusion of fashion and floristry brought a level of edge that the neighborhood hasn't seen in a while.
Whether you're there for the "gram" or you genuinely love horticulture, it’s the one week where Chelsea actually lives up to its glamorous reputation. Just wear comfortable shoes. Your pedometer will thank you.