Philadelphia’s world-renowned Flower Show returns to the  
Pennsylvania Convention Center on February 28 - March 8, 2026,  
with stunning blooms, international exhibitors, and a celebration of  
America’s gardening heritage 

JANUARY 14, 2026 – PHILADELPHIA, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) hosted a press conference to unveil a preview of the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening. The event included a first look at exclusive artistic renderings of the Show, giving a sneak peek into what visitors will experience in 2026. 

The event was held at the Union Trust building, commemorating the historic site of the first Philadelphia Flower Show in 1829. This location honors the city’s role as the birthplace of America’s first Flower Show as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. In the spirit of the 250th celebrations, this year’s Flower Show honors the people, places, and traditions that have shaped gardening, from cherished family memories to time-honored practices that continue to inspire today.  

To view artistic renderings of some of the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show’s exhibits and spaces, visit HERE. 

To view the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show commercials, click HERE and HERE. 

"Rooted: Origins of American Gardening reflects the heart of PHS’s mission connecting people and plants to transform lives and communities,” said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “Every plant and garden tells a story. The Flower Show celebrates those stories while serving as a fundraiser to support PHS’s year-round work in the Philadelphia region to create green spaces, expand access to fresh food, and foster neighborhood resilience and community health. Just as gardens grow from strong roots, so does the impact we can have together in our community." 

Now in its 197th year, the award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is a world-renowned gardening event and PHS’s main fundraiser for its acclaimed greening work throughout the Philadelphia region that aims to advance health and well-being for all. 

“The 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show celebrates the rich stories, bold creativity, and enduring inspiration that gardens bring to our lives,” said Seth Pearsoll, VP and Creative Director of the Philadelphia Flower Show. “Every element is designed to inspire so visitors will find themselves marveling at the creativity and discovering something new around every corner." 

All Your Favorite Flower Show Experiences 

As the Pennsylvania Convention Center will host an additional event during the Flower Show’s run, PHS has refreshed the Show’s footprint to ensure a smooth, intuitive, and engaging experience for all visitors. Over the years, PHS has consistently heard that the Flower Show is more than a place to view beautiful exhibits; it is a hub for discovery, creativity, and shared experiences. To support this multi-dimensional experience, PHS will debut a thoughtfully reimagined layout supported by a new wayfinding framework that helps guests easily navigate the Show through five core experiences: SEE, SHOP, MAKE, LEARN, and PLAY.  

PHS will continue to utilize its primary exhibition spaces for the Show’s gardens, exhibits, and experiences. The beloved Marketplace shopping destination will move to a new street-level home directly below the main exhibition space, giving vendors a highly visible location enhanced with floral moments and seating areas that invite guests to linger and explore. 

Below are select highlights that visitors can expect in 2026. 

SEE: Bold Floral and Landscape Creations and Award-Winning Displays 
 

The Flower Show brings together an extraordinary range of floral, landscape, and botanical artistry, showcasing lush gardens and plants, innovative design, and world-class creative talent from across the globe. These exhibits invite visitors to experience the power of storytelling through plants, honoring history, culture, and imagination while pushing the boundaries of what gardening can be.

For a full list of exhibitors at this year’s Show, please visit here. A list of select exhibitor highlights is available at the end of this release.  

The PHS Entrance Garden – “The Forest Floor” 

This wondrous, sprawling creation draws on global influences that have shaped American gardening traditions over generations, taking inspiration from the calm of a Japanese Zen garden and the misty, magical ambiance of a Scottish forest. Bold, organic stonework, textural plantings, and water features are crowned by a sweeping, twisting root structure, creating a striking focal point that illustrates how American gardening has long evolved through the weaving together of diverse cultural inspirations. This immersive entryway sparks imagination and guides visitors through the garden’s intricate and surprising floral details. 

Competitive Classes – Long considered the beating heart of the Flower Show, these competitions celebrate the tradition of gardeners proudly presenting their most extraordinary and curious plants. Today, the Hamilton Horticourt, Design Gallery, and Artistic Gallery carry that legacy forward, inviting competitors to showcase exceptional plants, floral artistry, and botanical craftsmanship that reflect the depth, discipline, and creativity at the core of gardening.  

• The Hamilton Horticourt, the world’s largest plant competition, brings together thousands of amateur and expert-grown plants.  

• The Design Gallery presents floral arrangements crafted for themed challenges, highlighting designers’ skill, creativity, and the artistic power of flowers. 

• The Artistic Gallery showcases pressed plants, botanical art, photography, and handcrafted works, celebrating botanical creativity across mediums. 

Curated Exhibitors – PHS selects dozens of exceptional floral and landscape designers whose creativity and expertise shape the Flower Show’s most anticipated visual experiences. Together, these designers bring Rooted: Origins of American Gardening to life through deeply personal interpretations of the theme, drawing from their own experiences, cultural heritage, and creative perspectives.    

• The “American Landscape Showcase," a special exhibition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, features four gardens, each crafted by a world-renowned designer to interpret the roots, traditions, and resilience of American gardening. Etta Studio, Unknown Studio, Design Under Sky, and Kelly D. Norris highlight how gardening has shaped communities over 250 years. The Showcase is made possible by the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial. 

• Four acclaimed international florists will exhibit “First Bloom – Rooted in Memory,” where designers share the origin moments that sparked their passion for flowers. Gábor Nagy, Alex Segura, Chantal Post, and Conny van der Westerlaken showcase world-class artistry and innovative design, giving visitors a glimpse of the artist’s life and cutting-edge creativity. Their participation underscores the Flower Show’s reputation as a premier destination for inspiration, craftsmanship, and international, horticultural collaboration. 

Local educational exhibitors are showing how the next generation of horticultural professionals is shaping the future of gardening. Designed and built by students, these exhibits combine traditional gardening practices with modern approaches to sustainability, plant science, and design. Visitors will see heirloom seeds and culturally significant plants celebrated, discover how historic gardens and planting methods continue to inspire new ideas, and experience creative floral designs that connect art and horticulture. Each exhibit demonstrates how students are learning, experimenting, and passing knowledge forward, offering a fresh perspective on the skills and creativity that will guide American gardening for years to come. 

This year’s Show is being put on with the support of the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the City of Philadelphia 250th Fund and Michael Newmuis, and the Commonwealth of PA including The Honorable Jordan A. Harris, Majority Chairman of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee and Senator Vincent Hughes. 

SHOP: Explore & Discover Unique Finds 

This year’s refreshed layout has been thoughtfully designed to make shopping more visible, accessible, and engaging for all guests.  

This year, the Flower Show’s Marketplace moves to street-level below the main exhibit halls, creating a dedicated shopping area where visitors can easily browse and discover unique finds. Guests will explore a curated selection of vendors featuring live plants, florals, garden tools, decorative wares, jewelry, and home accents, all designed for an engaging and seamless shopping experience. 

The Makers Market, featuring 39 talented regional artisans selling handmade jewelry, décor, apparel, and artwork will be located next to Artisan’s Row, the crafting hub for the Flower Show. 

Don’t miss the PHS Shop for must-have Flower Show memorabilia located in the main exhibition space. This year, merchandise options include apparel, mugs, totes, and other keepsakes to treasure long after the Show ends.  

Bloom Bar gives visitors a chance to adorn themselves with fresh floral crowns right on the Show floor. Each crown is a wearable piece of floral artistry, perfect for capturing stunning photos or simply enjoying the beauty of flowers up close. Purchase required. 

MAKE: Create and Craft with Hands-On Workshops 

The Flower Show offers hands-on workshops, botanical crafts, and expert-led demonstrations. 

Artisan Row is the Flower Show’s experiential hub where guests can create an elevated floral or gardening-inspired craft working side-by-side with artisans. Now expanded due to popular demand, Artisan Row will expand to an additional footprint and add three new creative experiences to the Convention Center’s concourse level. This year’s lineup will feature 7 artisans teaching guests how to create fresh floral crowns, floral candles, custom scents, fresh and dried bouquets, terrariums, hand painted vases, floral handbags, custom hats, tote bags and more. Purchase required. 

Dive into the art of container gardening with Potting Parties, interactive workshops led by designer Tu Bloom, the Official Botanical Artist of the Grammy® Awards. These sessions are fun for all skill levels, giving participants hands-on experience and ending with a personalized creation to take home. New this year, select Potting Party sessions will be offered as a special floral arrangement class, introducing guests to the fundamentals of floral design using seasonal botanicals and natural elements. Purchase required. 

LEARN: Expert Tips, Garden Insights & Tours 

Visitors looking to deepen their gardening knowledge will find expert insight throughout the Flower Show. From engaging lectures and one-on-one advice to behind-the-scenes tours, these learning experiences offer inspiration and practical takeaways for gardeners at every level.  

The Know to Grow speaker series returns this year, featuring leading horticultural experts sharing insights, traditions, and practical advice to help attendees cultivate their own gardens and deepen their connection to the natural world. This year’s Know to Grow lineup explores topics including heirloom and early American gardens, native bees and pollinator habitats, resilient ecological design, orchid cultivation, intensive vegetable gardening, and the cultural histories that have shaped American gardening traditions. All lectures are included with admission. 

Plant People Place is your go-to destination for gardening advice and expert insight. This interactive area connects visitors with passionate plant society members, expert gardeners, and industry specialists, including experts in cacti, bonsai, begonias, and violets, as well as seed specialists from Burpee and tree experts from Bartlett Tree Experts. Whether you’re troubleshooting a plant problem, exploring something new, or looking to deepen your gardening knowledge, these experts are on hand to answer questions, share practical tips, and help you grow with confidence. 

Early Morning Tours offer an exclusive way to experience the Flower Show before public hours. Led by knowledgeable guides, guests enjoy behind-the-scenes insights into exhibitors, garden design, the Hamilton Horticourt, and signature floral displays. PHS also offers Early Morning Photography Tours, giving guests the opportunity to photograph the Flower Show alongside a professional photographer before public hours. Tour tickets include full-day admission to the Show. Tours run daily from February 28 to March 8, from 8 to 10 am. Purchase required. 

PLAY: Special Events and Activities 

The Flower Show’s special events and activities invite guests to connect with flowers in fun, unexpected, and memorable ways. From immersive attractions and family-friendly programming to signature parties and after-hours events, this lineup brings added energy, interaction, and celebration to the Flower Show’s stunning exhibits. 

Butterflies Live! gives attendees the opportunity to encounter hundreds of native and exotic butterflies with spectacular color in a serene setting. This is an all-ages activity, perfect for both kids and kids at heart! Purchase required. Recommended for all ages. 

Families are invited to hang out at the Kids Cocoon, where young visitors can dig into interactive activities, explore the wonders of plant life, and spark a lifelong curiosity for gardening. Free with admission, Recommended for children ages 18 and under. 

Friday, February 27: Members’ Preview Day 
12:00 - 4:00 pm 
Members’ Preview Day offers PHS Members an exclusive opportunity to experience the Flower Show before it opens to the public. Members can explore the gardens at a relaxed pace, enjoy the beauty of the exhibits ahead of the crowds, and take advantage of complimentary or discounted admission. Free or discounted with PHS membership. Recommended for all ages. 

Friday, February 27: Flower Show Preview Party  
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm 
The Flower Show Preview Party invites guests to celebrate the opening of the 2026 Show with an unforgettable evening of floral discovery. Attendees will be among the very first to explore immersive garden exhibits and world-class floral artistry while enjoying cocktails, light bites, and lively company set against the stunning backdrop of the nation’s largest flower show. Purchase required. 21+ only with valid ID. 

Sunday, March 1: Family Frolic  
10:00 am - 3:00 pm  
Enjoy a day designed especially for young families and explore hands-on activities, educational experiences, and playful floral fun in partnership with local Philadelphia organizations and institutions. Free with admission, recommended for all ages. 

Wednesday, March 4: Blossom & Breathe 
4:00 - 8:00 pm  
Visit the Flower Show for a celebration of beauty, wellness, and natural healing! Blossom & Breathe is a chance to unwind, work on your yoga practice, connect with local wellness experts, and experience the calming power of flowers in a unique and transformative setting. Purchase required for yoga class, all other activities are free with admission. Recommended for all ages. 

Friday, March 6: Fido Friday 
5:00 - 8:00 pm  
Back by popular demand this year is the opportunity to experience the Flower Show alongside your best dog friend! Explore the exhibits, shop dog-friendly vendors, and enjoy playful activities designed for dogs. Proof of a valid dog license and up-to-date rabies vaccination is required for entry. Free with admission, recommended for all ages. 

Saturday, March 7: Flowers After Hours  
Folklore of the Forest  
8:30 - 11:30 pm 
Step into a magical world at this year’s enchanting after-hours dance party. Enjoy themed cocktails (additional purchase required), dance the night away, and mix and mingle in a fairytale forest setting. Fantasy-inspired attire is encouraged, from subtle accessories to full cosplay looks, creating an evening filled with music, movement, and floral wonder. Purchase required. 21+ with valid ID. 

How to Access the Flower Show 

Tickets for the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening, are on sale now!  

There are two ways to experience the Flower Show: 

• Become a PHS Member and enjoy exclusive perks like free or discounted tickets, early access on Members’ Preview Day or during weekend preview hours, lounge access, and year-round savings.  

• Purchase a single or multi-day ticket.  

Either way, you’ll step into a spectacular celebration of gardens, creativity, and community while supporting PHS’s vital greening work. 

Tickets 

Tickets for the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show are on sale at tickets.phsonline.org. To stay up to date with the latest information on the 2026 Flower Show, please visit phsonline.org/the-flower-show. For questions, please email flowershowtickets@pennhort.org. 

PHS Membership Benefits 

Become a PHS Member and experience the Flower Show like no one else. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of Members’ Preview Day on February 27, your chance to explore the Show early and linger among the gardens. Members also receive free or discounted tickets, savings at select Flower Show vendors, and special perks all year long. Best of all, your membership supports the vital work of PHS in communities across the region. To become a member, visit PHSonline.org/support-phs/membership.   

• 10% discount on two or more Flower Show tickets (by member level and valid for preview and public hours) or join as an Activist or higher level for complimentary member Flower Show tickets! All member tickets are good for one-time use any day throughout the Show.  

• Special edition Flower Show gift  

• Special Members’ entrance at this year’s Show 

• Access to Members’ Preview Day and Members-only weekend preview hours   

• Access to the Flower Show Members’ Lounge to relax and rejuvenate  

• Hear from famed garden speakers at exclusive Members-only Know to Grow sessions  

• Discounts at participating Flower Show Marketplace vendors  

Select Exhibitor Highlights  

• The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) will present a compelling installation that illustrates how deeply rooted foundations empower communities to flourish. The exhibit visually represents AIFD’s enduring legacy, showcasing how connection and belonging both across the U.S. and worldwide stem from strong roots in nature and horticultural expertise. 

• Jennifer Designs, the 2025 winner for “Best in Show – Floral,” returns with “Rooted in Love,” an immersive theatrical garden inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The exhibit explores the interplay between horticulture and literature, highlighting plants and flowers as symbols of love, conflict, and tradition while demonstrating their power to create meaningful environments.   

• Men’s Garden Club of Philadelphia presents a garden that showcases the beauty and complexity of natural root systems. Suspended planters and hanging plant material draw the eye upward, while sculptural stumps with exposed roots add earthy texture. Two Dawn Redwood trees anchor the space with distinctive branching, textured trunks, and vibrant orange foliage, offering a living link to the deep history of the natural world. 

• Rachel Cho Floral Design, a first-time exhibitor, presents “Rooted Reflection,” a display where bold, vibrant blooms erupt from mirrored surfaces, creating a kinetic play of light and reflection. Mirrors act as portals, connecting past and present, self and ancestry, inviting visitors to explore both the personal and shared roots that shape our gardens and lives. 

• Simply Nia Design returns with an exhibit that emphasizes connection. The installation highlights the ways our roots, both personal and ecological, inform the spaces we cultivate and the relationships we nurture. 

• Susan Cohan Gardens returns with “Kindred Spirit,” honoring the design principles of Martha Brookes Hutcheson, a pioneering landscape architect from over a century ago. The exhibit celebrates Hutcheson’s use of native plants and her approach to blending agriculture with designed gardens, bridging past and present horticultural practices.  

• Design Under The Sky presents “DENCE”, a display that takes plants that usually grow wild in cities, often ignored or considered weeds, and arranges them in a classical, orderly garden, highlighting the intent of a caretaker to showcase their under-appreciated attributes. 

• Bucks County Community College’s Floral Design Program presents “Rooted in Art,” connecting the legacy of Stella Elkins Tyler, whose vision shaped much of the campus’ artwork and the renowned art department, to students’ own roots. Inspired by her legacy, the display will feature avant-garde floral designs that honor the artistic vision shaping the campus. 

• Delaware Valley University presents a visually striking exhibit honoring Carl Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, tracing the journey of a single plant species through a pyramid of discovery and classification while highlighting his use of Latin as a universal language for identifying plants and animals.  

• Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School draws inspiration from community gardens and its partnership with True Love Seeds, celebrating ancestral and culturally important heirloom seeds while exploring the horticultural knowledge passed down through generations. 

• Temple University explores the ongoing relationship between regional geography, cultivated food systems, and natural resources, highlighting the centuries-long influence of Pennsylvania Quakers on the cultivation and stewardship of land.  

• University of Delaware brings to life Marian Coffin’s historic gardens at Gibraltar in Wilmington, teaching visitors about Coffin’s influential planting methods and continuing her legacy as one of Delaware’s most important landscape designers. 

FLOWER SHOW SPONSORS 

PHS thanks our Exclusive Sponsors, Bank of America and Independence Blue Cross, for their long-standing support of the Flower Show and PHS. PHS also thanks our top-level sponsors and invite guests to visit them at the Show. 

ACME Markets, who designs the official Flower Show bouquet.  

Bartlett Tree Experts, where you can spend time with their highly trained arborists. 

Visit Hendrick’s Gin Garden Botanical Bar and enjoy cocktails made with Hendrick’s Original and Oasium varietal. 

Heirloom Roses, visit their exhibit and find your Bloomate, your perfect rose color. Find your Bloomate at the Heirloom display, where the perfect rose match awaits. 

Netflix House, the exclusive sponsor of the Kids Cocoon. 

Nissan, PHS’s new automobile partner. 

Burpee, the exclusive sponsor of the PHS Members’ Lounge will have exclusive merchandise 

Visit PA, where you can plan your 2026 Great American Getaway plans at their display. Check in for an exciting year ahead. From the NFL Draft to the FIFA World Cup to America's 250th anniversary, PA is your gateway to The Great American Getaway. 

A special thank you to KPMG for their exclusive sponsorship of this year's Preview Party. 

ABOUT THE PHS PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW  
The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest, and the world’s longest-running horticultural event and features stunning displays by some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events.    

ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY  
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunities, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer.   

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