Shop everything from rosemary, to peonies, to lemon trees, and more at the Prince Edward Flower Market – all at a great bargain without skimping on quality. Plus, what a lovely way to support local shops!
You can’t argue that the Prince Edward Flower Market is one of the most photogenic street markets in Hong Kong. An entire road lined with florists – a feast for the sense, both sight and smell – luring you into shops that sell plants for a great bargain. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve explored the Flower Market. And yet, every time I go, there’s something new to discover – as well as old favourites to visit and re-admire. Here are some shops I particularly trust when buying indoor plants, having bought from them time and time again.
Our guide to the Prince Edward Flower Market
But first…how do you get to the Flower Market?
Let’s not assume that everyone knows how to navigate around the city – some may have never been to the Prince Edward Flower Market before. There are two easy ways to get there.
1. Mong Kok East – get off Exit D at MOKO and walk towards Royal Plaza Hotel (inside the mall). At Level 1, go down the long escalator (outside the mall, near the taxi stand) and then cross the road and you’ll see the shops.
2. Prince Edward – go to MTR Exit B1, walk past Mong Kok Police Station and keep going straight and you’ll be there within five minutes.
Tips and tricks before you shop
1. Make sure you walk around the market first. You may be tempted to buy that beautiful set of flowers you see right at the first shop but walking around enables you to pick from more variety and you can check for better bargains. If you’re walking from Prince Edward MTR, some of the best shops lie at the far end of the market. (So keep trotting folks, it ain’t a trek!)
2. Some shops do not allow photos, look out for signs. The last thing you want are angry florists!
3. Try shopping at more local shops as the shopkeepers often give you more attention and can answer your questions on what type of plant you’re looking for. But you may need to bang out your Canto lingo for this. Also, imported flowers may not necessarily adjust to the climate of Hong Kong – they’re extra effort to care for and they’re pricier!
4. When you reach the crossroad at Sai Yee Street, turn left, there are more shops there and these are less crowded compared to the ones on the main street.
Where to shop at the Flower Market
Here are some shops I return to on the regular as I simply like their collection of plants better (but it’s all down to personal preference at the end). Feel free to step into any shop that attracts you! And if you’re shopping for pots and soil, any shop will do!
1. Wah King Garden Arts
Here’s where you can find relatively large plants and potted flowering plants. For just $15 for a pot, you can find beautiful potted flowers on the left side of the shopfront and on the right you can find herbs (coriander, mint, rosemary, etc.) for just $20 a pot! Inside the shop you can find plants taller than yourself (cactuses straight out of the desert) and there are plenty of plants suitable for hanging like String of Pearls.
Wah King Garden Arts, G/F, 32 Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2380 9129
2. Brighten Mall
With three floors of plants, flowers, and home decor, Brighten Mall is a hard one to miss. The shop particularly lights up during festive seasons like Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Valentine’s Day. Right next to the three-storey building is their own orchid shop – dedicated to – you guessed it, all things orchid!
Brighten Mall, 18 Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2380 9136
3. Phoenix Garden
One word: succulents! This shop houses a whole variety of succulents from venus fly traps, cactuses, to echeverias and more. You can also find huge cactuses outside the storefront but if that’s a little too many spikes for comfort, there are much smaller options inside the shop.
Phoenix Garden, 1 Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
4. Yee Fat Trading Co.
At Yee Fat, you can find smaller plants that are well suited to small apartments in Hong Kong. From hanging spider plants to aloe veras, and even ginseng plants, this shop is a little gem that has it all!
Yee Fat Trading Co. , 5 Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
5. Nice Garden Orchid Company Ltd.
Orchids are hard to kill and they’re native to east Asia, making it easier for them to assimilate to Hong Kong’s humidity and temperature. Nice Garden Orchid’s entire shop is lined with orchids in purples, whites, and pinks. If you purchase a bundle of either two or three, the price decreases. (We’re talking about $100 for three!)
Nice Garden Orchid Company Ltd., 3 Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Snacks and treats at The Flower Market
1. Maria’s Bakery
It’s almost impossible to resist the smell of egg tarts and egg waffles as you pass by Maria’s Bakery. If you’re hungry for a snack halfway into the Flower Market, this is where you make a pit stop.
Maria’s Bakery, G/F, Shop A, 182 Cambo House, Prince Edward Road West, Hong Kong
2. Hayfever
You can find this two-storey florist coffee shop towards the far end of the Flower Market. Indulge in a nice cuppa coffee or tea alongside a cake or pastry of your choice. It feels like a garden within a garden, it’s a nice nook to have a closer look at the plant(s) you bought.
Hayfever, G/F, Ka Hing Court, Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, p. 2397 0668
Bonus: Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
Once you reach the far end of the Flower Market, you may hear sounds of birds chirping. That’s the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden where you can find exotic birds like Macaw parrots and cockatoos (and get close to one!). You can purchase pet birds like budgies and lovebirds – along with cages, toys, and food. Definitely worth checking out!
