The Kentucky Derby might be known for its thunderous hooves and mint juleps, but take a closer look, and you’ll find something else blooming under all the buzz—flowers. Lots of them. Whether it’s the iconic red rose draped across the winner or the sea of pink at the Kentucky Oaks, floral traditions have long shaped the culture, pageantry, and spirit of Derby Week at Churchill Downs.

It’s not just decor—it’s storytelling. Every petal, every garland, every rose tucked into a wide-brimmed hat is part of a deeper ritual that honors the elegance and grit of the sport. The Derby’s floral identity didn’t grow overnight either; it’s been cultivated for nearly 150 years. From “Lilies for the Fillies” to “Run for the Roses,” this tradition runs deeper than you think.

So before the starting gate even opens, the track is already alive—with color, with symbolism, and with a blooming legacy as rich as the race itself.

Red roses and royal rituals of the Kentucky Derby

The most recognizable symbol of the Kentucky Derby is without question the blanket of red roses awarded to the winner. This floral phenomenon dates back to 1884, when red roses were handed out at a post-Derby party. The gesture caught the attention of Derby founder Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., who later declared the rose as the race’s official flower.

It wasn’t until 1932 that the full rose garland became tradition. Since then, more than 400 hand-selected red roses are sewn into a 122-inch-long, 22-inch-wide satin backing featuring the Kentucky state seal and the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. The result? A 40-pound floral masterpiece created overnight by Kroger designers while fans watch in awe.

The garland’s “crown”—the center section—holds a rose for every competing horse, plus an extra upright bloom to honor the spirit and strength it takes to win. Even the winning jockey gets a matching bouquet: 60 long-stemmed roses wrapped in 10 yards of ribbon, the perfect reward after two minutes of breakneck speed and history-making effort.

Lilies for the fillies of the Kentucky Derby

If Derby Day is for the thoroughbreds, Friday is all about the ladies. The Kentucky Oaks—known as “Lilies for the Fillies”—celebrates elite three-year-old fillies and does it in full pink flair. Since 1991, the stargazer lily has been the official flower, chosen for its blend of femininity and resilience. The first filly to wear the stargazer garland was Lite Light, who dominated the 117th running.

The Oaks garland is made from exactly 133 lilies, sewn into white fabric with a fleur-de-lis pattern and trimmed with ivy. It mirrors the Derby’s red rose garland but with a distinctly feminine twist, honoring women both on and off the track. The tradition also includes the Grey Goose Oaks Lily, a signature cranberry-pink cocktail served in celebration.

Since 2009, the event has gone beyond racing. With breast cancer awareness at its heart, Oaks Day hosts a Survivors Parade on the track, honoring those who’ve fought and survived the disease. It’s racing with a purpose—and the pink wave across Churchill Downs is proof.

Hats, parties, and flower power everywhere

Derby Week isn’t confined to the track. The floral theme blooms in every corner—from tailgate parties and boutique hotel lobbies to the iconic oversized hats that steal the show. Florists like Kroger’s Carol Belser and Wayne Esterle of Hey Lady Boutique have turned race week into a floral festival, complete with custom arrangements, truck decorations, and last-minute centerpiece deliveries.

Even Dodge Ram trucks, sponsors of the event, get decked out in thousands of lilies and roses. Back at Churchill Downs, the red geraniums in the winner’s circle and the meticulously landscaped grounds remind fans that this isn’t just horse racing—it’s a full sensory experience.

And it’s not just Kentucky. Belmont Stakes winners receive 700 white carnations, Pimlico honors champions with black-eyed Susan-style Viking mums, and Saratoga’s Travers Stakes hands out carnations in track colors. Flowers and racing are inseparable—a tradition rooted in both grace and grit.

At the Kentucky Derby, flowers do more than decorate—they elevate. They honor tradition, celebrate victory, and connect generations of fans through sight, scent, and symbolism. Whether it’s the triumphant drape of red roses or the delicate pink petals honoring the Oaks champion, these blooms are part of what makes Churchill Downs hallowed ground.

From the paddock to the winner’s circle, from spectator hats to party centerpieces, floral culture isn’t just a side note—it’s center stage. And when the gates fly open and hearts race, the flowers stand still—timeless reminders that beauty, strength, and tradition go hand in hand in America’s greatest race.