Conservatory of Flowers

We're excited to share that Cypress Lawn is our 2026 co**se flower sponsor! Cypress Lawn has been a meaningful place of trees since its inception as the hallmark garden cemetery of the San Francisco peninsula.

Several beloved San Francisco figures are laid to rest at Cypress Lawn whose contributions continue to be experienced by visitors at Gardens of Golden Gate Park today. Among them are John McLaren, often called the grandfather of Golden Gate Park; Eric Walther, the first Botanical Garden Director who planted the magnolias, and Helene Strybing, whose bequest helped establish an arboretum and botanical garden in Golden Gate Park.

Here in the Garden, we can also witness the beauty of the full life cycle through Scarlet, our co**se flower, blooming only once every 3–5 years she reminds us to celebrate life.

⏰ Let the countdown begin—the bloom is imminent for Scarlet the Co**se Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) at the Conservatory of Flowers. We see blush on the spathe and expect bloom to occur this week.

We’ll announce the bloom here and across communication channels as soon as possible – stay tuned and watch the live stream at gggp.org

Today, we honor the sacred holiday of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States that marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

We recognize this day as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice, equity, true freedom, and recommitting to building a future rooted in dignity, equality, and liberation for all. We hope the Gardens can be a place for community members to gather, commune, rest, and honor this day however you choose. 🤍

🌿 Conservatory of Flower Hours: 10am – 4:30pm
🌿Japanese Tea Garden Hours: 9am-5:30pm
🌿San Francisco Botanical Garden Hours: 7:30am-6pm

Let the countdown begin, we expect Scarlet to bloom within the next 5 days, you can now watch Scarlet on our livestream at gggp.org

🌿 How can I see the bloom?
Once Scarlet blooms, we will announce it via social media and email and tickets will go live. In addition to regular daytime hours, we will have special After-Hours access from 5-9pm. All visitors should reserve timed entry tickets online in advance and special After-Hours tickets will be required for after-hours entry.

🎟️ Experience More as a Member
Members will have exclusive access to a special late-night hour, 9-10pm to experience peak stink. Members enjoy maximum flexibility with expedited entry, and save 20% on after-hours tickets.

June 17, 2026 Update 💚
Scarlet is getting taller every day! We're patiently waiting for the bloom to happen.
If you look closely, you'll notice the cabbage like ruffles called the spathe are still green. As co**se flowers get closer to blooming, these ruffles begin to blush revealing hints of scarlet red. 🤭

Stay tuned and visit Scarlet at the Conservatory at gggp.org

Our superstar co**se flower, Scarlet, is continuing to grow steadily. 💚 The tall central spike, known as the spadix, is emerging further through the ruffly outer layer, called the spathe. Eventually, the spathe will unfurl to reveal a deep burgundy color and release its famously stinky scent. 👃

⁉️ When will Scarlet bloom? Nature is unpredictable! As soon as Scarlet begins to open, we'll notify everyone via social media and email. Visit the Conservatory now to witness all of the co**se flower's remarkable life cycle!

🚨 Bloom Alert! Scarlet the Co**se Flower Returns 🚨
It’s official! Scarlet, the Co**se Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) has a bloom growing rapidly in the Conservatory of Flowers. 🥳

Let the countdown begin—we expect Scarlet to bloom within the next 7 to 14 days, the bloom will be incredibly brief, typically lasting two days. Scarlet last bloomed in July 2023, nearly 3 years ago!

What's the best way to follow Scarlet's growth?
💚 Find fresh Co**se Flower updates on our socials and on gggp.org
💚 Visit the Conservatory of Flowers to observe Scarlet's fascinating transformation leading up to this notoriously pungent event!

Today is International Day of Play, a global celebration of joy, creativity, and connection of play for all ages. 🌼

At the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, we believe in the power of outdoor play for all and offer hands-on learning rooted in gardening, ecology, and art. 🌿🎨

Please consider making a gift today to help ensure free outdoor experiences like Bean Sprouts Family Days, Birding in the Garden, and Flower Piano, can continue to inspire curiosity and wonder year-round. 🎹

🔗 gggp.org/donate/give

Tulip orchids are coming into season at the Conservatory! 💛

Tulip orchids (Anguloa spp.) are pollinated by shiny green orchid bees (Euglossine bees). Unlike most bees, which visit flower for nectar, male orchid bees visit these blooms to gather scented essential oils! 👃

The bees store the scents within glands in their legs, creating a unique perfume used to attract a mate.

Do tulip orchids smell human perfume-worthy? Come smell for yourself!
🔗Plan your visit at gggp.org

Reminder: Today, Monday, June 8, the Conservatory of Flowers will delay opening to 11am for the American Public Gardens Association's Annual Conference. Learn more at gggp.org