When is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021? How to watch the September garden show on TV - and where it’s held

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show normally takes place in May, as spring brings flowers into full bloom and the lovely weather makes for the perfect outdoor exhibition.

But in 2021, things will be done slightly differently with the Royal Horticulture Society’s (RHS) annual garden show taking place in September.

The change of season should make for a unique flower show, with stunning autumnal displays to be expected.

So, when is the show this year and how can you watch it on TV? This is what you need to know.

When is RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year?

The Royal Horticultural Society will hold it’s Chelsea Flower Show for the first time in September this year.

The display takes place across six days, from Tuesday 21 September to Sunday 26 September.

Where is the Chelsea Flower Show taking place?

The show is taking place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London.

It will be open from 8am to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 8am to 5.30pm on Sunday.

Can you buy tickets for the show?

You can still buy tickets for the show for Sunday 26 September. Tickets for members of the public are priced at £83.75 per person/per day.

Members of the RHS will be granted discounted tickets, a membership starts from £62 per year.

You can find out more about tickets on the website.

What is there to see at the Chelsea Flower Show?

The official website for the show describes it as “The world’s greatest flower show... with the usual cutting-edge garden design, fabulous floral displays and simply the best shopping.”

This year, there will be a celebration of climate protection with a ‘COP26 garden’, designed by Marie-Louise Agius.

There are also gardens which pay tribute to the NHS, to the Bible and even Florence Nightingale.

Aside from the gardens, there is also the pavilion full of fresh flowers, bright colours and floral scents. There is also a studio dedicated to the new phenomenon of house plants and a Discovery Zone where interactive displays and educational exhibits are given a dedicated space in the Great Pavilion.

In an RHS Flower Show first, the exhibit coincides with the Chelsea History Festival, held at three major heritage sites along the Royal Hospital Road, including the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Ticket holders can visit the Chelsea Pensioners as they reflect on their involvement in the Korean War, or join Jonathan Dimbleby and Andrew Roberts as they discuss Operation Barbarossa.

How can I watch the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on TV?

BBC Two will cover all the highlights from this year’s show, including a preview show, airing from 7pm all week (20-26 September).

You can also watch exclusive clips on BBC iPlayer.