By Melissa O'Brien

Following the 195th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, themed "United by Flowers," enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are buzzing with excitement over the emerging trends that promise to shape the future of gardening and floral design this year. This iconic event has long been a beacon for innovation and creativity in the world of horticulture – demonstrated by the first American showing of the now world famous poinsettia in 1829 during the inaugural Flower Show. 

The Flower Show provides a platform for some of the world’s most renowned designers and growers to highlight the best and newest ideas in the industry. These displays reflect up-and-coming industry trends that are then incorporated by gardeners, landscapers, and florists of all levels, around the globe. 

Let's delve into the top trends we expect to see dominate the gardening landscape following this year's spectacular showcase. 

Trending House Plants: Aroids, Begonias, Gesneriads, and Terrariums 

The 2024 Flower Show captivated audiences with a stunning array of house plants, with aroids, begonias, gesneriads, and terrariums taking center stage. Aroids, including beloved varieties like Philodendron and Monstera, continued their ascent in popularity, showcasing the enduring allure of this diverse plant family. Meanwhile, begonias experienced a resurgence, featuring an impressive display of rare species that captured the imagination of attendees. Gesneriads, known for their exquisite blooms, also enjoyed a moment in the spotlight, demonstrating the breadth of this floral family's appeal. Additionally, terrariums emerged as a burgeoning trend, offering both aesthetic appeal and practicality for gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels.  

Landscape Trends: Rewilding and Urban Biodiversity 

In tune with the growing movement towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, the rewilding of land emerged as a prominent gardening trend at the 2024 Flower Show. Particularly noteworthy was the rewilding of urban areas, which seeks to enhance biodiversity and restore natural ecosystems by reducing human intervention and reintroducing native flora and fauna. Exhibits such as Kelly Norris’ "A Beautiful Disturbance" and Apiary Studios’ "Right of Way" showcased the transformative power of rewilding, underscoring its potential to create vibrant, biodiverse landscapes within urban environments.  

Floral Event Design Trends: Hyper-local Cut Flowers, Virtual Gardens, and Table-top Topiaries 

Floral event design took center stage at the 2024 Flower Show, spotlighting trends that are set to revolutionize the industry. Hyper-local sourcing of cut flowers from a specific geographic area emerged as a key trend, exemplified by Jennifer Designs' innovative exhibit, which depicted a breathtaking floral map of the United States. The exhibit utilized hyper-local cut flowers to color-code the floral map according to USDA hardiness zones. The use of locally sourced cut flowers in this display has shed light on the carbon footprint of mass-grown imported flowers. 

Additionally, the integration of virtual gardens, combining mixed media, projection, and photography with physical flowers, signaled a shift towards immersive, multimedia experiences that captivate the senses and expand the possibilities of floral design. 

Lastly, table-top topiaries and arrangements provide pops of color, texture, and unique shape throughout an event space or floral display. 

Floral Trends: Bold Colors, Statement Sculptures, and Organic Shapes 

From vibrant neon hues to statement floral sculptures, the 2024 Flower Show showcased a myriad of floral trends destined to make waves in the industry. Monotone color schemes and bold neon color-blocking (especially orange and pink) stole the spotlight, offering a fresh take on floral arrangements that is both striking and sophisticated. Meanwhile, large-scale floral sculptures emerged as focal points, replacing traditional clusters with dramatic, attention-grabbing installations. Organic materials such as fruits and vegetables added whimsy and charm to floral designs, while organic shapes and untraditional mediums like concrete pushed the boundaries of floral artistry, resulting in breathtaking displays that blur the line between nature and innovation. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, the trends unveiled at the Flower Show offer a wealth of inspiration to cultivate your own garden oasis. Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Flower Show, returning to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from February 28 – March 9, 2025!