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March 1 – April 13, 2025
Orchid Delirium returns in 2025 with a new display, drawing inspiration from the Victorian orchid hunters who scoured the world collecting orchids in their natural habitats. In Powell Gardens’ glass-domed Conservatory, visitors will walk through a jungle of flowering orchids and tropical foliage before spotting an orchid hunter’s encampment complete with crates of orchids to be transported back to Victorian England. The exhibit showcases hundreds of rotating blooms from the 2000-piece orchid collection cared for at Powell Gardens.
As the kick-off to the Gardens’ spring season, this indoor botanical exhibit provides an immersive tropical oasis for all orchid appreciators! Learn about one of the most numerous flowering plant species through educational programs, interpretation, and self-guided tours.
Powell Gardens is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. during Orchid Delirium.
With hundreds of blooming orchids on display, visitors are invited to bask in the beauty of this plant that has captivated collectors, botanists, and plant enthusiasts for centuries.
Powell Gardens’ signature glass-domed conservatory features new displays of ethereal orchids and companion plants centered around a staged orchid hunter’s encampment. Plantings at the edge of the pool showcase some of our favorite orchids nestled in tropical plants.
In the Perennial Lounge, Brent Tucker (Lead Horticulturalist, Collections) is creating an interpretation of a Victorian parlor showcasing Wardian cases designed to grow orchids in the Victorian age.
Experience the beauty of spring in Powell Gardens’ Garden Galleries! A vibrant display of blooming seasonal flowers, orchids, and edibles in a working greenhouse showcases plants as they grow, complete with potting benches and root displays. Don’t miss the cacti and succulent collection in the arid greenhouse, featuring living walls of succulents.
Lab (Visitor Center)
New to Orchid Delirium in 2025, venture into the Exploratorium Lab (located in the Visitor Center) for pop-up children’s activities and educational moments! Perfect for curious young minds, these hands-on experiences change throughout the season, offering everything from story time to nature-themed crafts.
Check onsite to see what’s available during your visit, including Young Explorer Backpacks to borrow from The Marketplace!
Exhibit Guide
Come for the stunning display and leave with a deeper understanding of why the beauty of orchids has enamored humankind for centuries! Use the exhibit guide to explore the exhibit and learn more.
Exhibit Tours
Digital tours of Orchid Delirium are available online for those interested in a self-guided tour during their visit. Access the Orchid Delirium tour here.
March 1 – April 13 | While supplies last
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens will have orchids for sale, including moth, dancing ladies, dendrobiums, and other varieties. Towards the end of Orchid Delirium, you may see a few special orchids from the exhibit included in the selection!
Saturday, March 29 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$95 | 10% less for members
Conifer Room (Visitor Center)
Orchid enthusiasts of all levels are invited to Powell Gardens’ fourth annual Orchid Symposium. Event highlights include a variety of presentations on orchids with a hands-on demonstration. Attendees will receive lunch and non-alcoholic beverages.
David Bird with Bird’s Botanicals will have rare orchids and tropical plants for sale for Orchid Symposium attendees.
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. | The Medicinal Properties of Orchids by Michael Rafferty
11 a.m. | History of Orchidelirium by Caitlin Eckard, Assistant Director, Visitor Engagement
11:30 a.m. | Self-guided tour of Orchid Delirium exhibit
Noon | Lunch
1 p.m. | Orchid Mounting Workshop with David Bird
2 p.m. | Butterfly Orchids Brent, Lead Horticulturist
March 8 and April 12 | 10:30 a.m. – noon
50 | $5 less for members
Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Enjoy Powell Gardens’ spring landscape during a botanically inspired tea with bubbly, blooming tea, and a selection of sweet and savory treats.
Jurassic Garden
Details for Jurassic GardenFestival of Butterflies
Details for Festival of ButterfliesCraft: Clay Pot Beehive
Details for Craft: Clay Pot Beehive
Happening Now!
Brent Tucker, Horticulturist, shares about cattleya orchids. Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, has several cattleya orchids in its orchid collection. Powell Gardens orchid collection is on display in the spring during Orchid Delirium.
Take a tour through Orchid Delirium, Powell Gardens orchid exhibition.
Highlights from Orchid Delirium 2024.
Orchid Delirium is sponsored in part by the American Orchid Society.
Individual sponsors include Amy & Shannon Eckhoff and Jill & Michael Johnston.
Once your tickets are purchased online, you will receive confirmation via email. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!