Old man winter has had his fun. It’s time for the cold to go away, the snow to melt and to start thinking about spring. The 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show will be just the right medicine. “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” will take over the Pennsylvania Convention Center Feb. 28 to March 8. Tickets are available at tickets.phsonline.org. “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.” The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, now in its 197th year, 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. Over the years, PHS has consistently heard the Flower Show is more than a place to view the 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. The main exhibition space will continue to highlight the Flower Show’s gardens, exhibits and experiences. The 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. ” ‘Rooted: Origins of American Gardening’ reflects the heart of PHS’s mission connecting people and plants to transform lives and communities,” said Matt Rader, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society president. “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.” Expanded due to popular demand, Artisan Row returns bigger than ever, inviting guests to create floral and garden-inspired keepsakes alongside skilled local artisans. (COURTESY OF BECCA MATHIAS) Flowers After Hours transforms the Flower Show into an after-dark celebration filled with myth, magic, and flowers. Dance beneath a lush floral canopy, enjoy themed cocktails, and wander through a fantastical woodland setting where fantasy-inspired attire is encouraged. (COURTESY OF MORGAN HORELL) The Marketplace moves to a new street-level location directly below the main exhibition halls, creating an easy-to-browse destination filled with live plants, florals, garden tools, décor, jewelry, and unique gifts. (COURTESY OF BECCA MATHIAS) There will always be plenty of colorful backgrounds for photos at the Philadelphia Flower Show. (COURTESY OF MARISA RILEY, RIS PRODUCTIONS) Show Caption1 of 4Expanded due to popular demand, Artisan Row returns bigger than ever, inviting guests to create floral and garden-inspired keepsakes alongside skilled local artisans. (COURTESY OF BECCA MATHIAS) Expand As always, the entrance area for the 2026 Flower Show will have the “wow” factor. This 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. The immersive entryway is designed to spark imagination and guide visitors through the garden’s intricate and surprising floral details. Following the path into the main space leads right into the heart of the show with the sometimes overwhelming competitive exhibits. These competitions celebrate the tradition of gardeners presenting their most extraordinary and curious plants. Highlights include: •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. PHS selects dozens of exceptional floral and landscape designers whose creativity and expertise shape the show’s most anticipated visual experiences. These designers bring “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” to life through 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. For more information, including updated schedules for special programing and the list of exhibitors, check out https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show. ...read more read less