Part of the collection of orchids at the spring flower festival in HCMC. (Photo: Hong Giang/VNA)

Initiated in 1981, the annual festival has become one of Ho Chi Minh City's biggest events.

This year the festival will include a 50-year-old apricot tree from An Giang province, a 3-meter-high 40-year-old apricot tree from Thu Duc city, a plumeria flower collection, a variety of orchids, and a 200-stem artwork called Kim Diep (Golden Butterfly).

The 10-day event will debut a wood sculpture in the shape of a map of Vietnam created by artisan Nguyen Truong Tien of HCM City.

Cultural and art programs, including lion and dragon dance performances, will be part of the festival, which will run until next Thursday.