The PHS Flower Show Returns With a Rooted: Origins of American Gardening Theme and Flowers After Hours Party
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is setting the stage for an unforgettable return of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show when Rooted: Origins of American Gardening blooms inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center from February 28 through March 8. Tickets are on sale at phsonline.org/the-flower-show.
Now in its 197th year, the Philadelphia Flower Show remains the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event—and PHS’s most important annual fundraiser, supporting year-round efforts to create greener, healthier communities across the region. This year’s theme connects deeply to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, celebrating the people, places, and cultural traditions that shaped gardening in the United States.
To help visitors navigate the sprawling show with ease, PHS is debuting a reimagined layout guided by five core experiences: SEE, SHOP, MAKE, LEARN, and PLAY—encouraging guests to explore with curiosity, intention, and delight.
From history-forward tributes to bold contemporary design, the “SEE” experiences anchor the show.
Highlights include “First Ladies and Their Orchids,” a stunning horticultural history exhibit by Chadwick and Son Orchids honoring nineteen U.S. First Ladies with orchids named in their legacy, and a refreshed Emerging Florists Display Area, where rising designers from around the world share personal and cultural stories through vibrant installations.
Plant lovers won’t want to miss the 2026 PHS Gold Medal Plants showcase—featuring award-winning trees, shrubs, and perennials chosen for sustainability, resilience, and Mid-Atlantic garden success.
Other standout exhibits include:
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Competitive Classes, from miniature historical scenes to balcony garden designs
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“Before 250,” honoring the Lenni Lenape and Pennsylvania’s Indigenous plant knowledge
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American Landscape Showcase, featuring gardens by world-renowned designers interpreting America’s gardening roots
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“Rooted in Time,” a botanical illustration exhibition exploring native flora and fungi across 250 years
The Flower Show Marketplace returns in a brand-new street-level location, making it easier than ever to browse live plants, floral gifts, décor, jewelry, garden tools, and artisan-made treasures—all in one centralized shopping destination.
By popular demand, Artisan Row expands with new hands-on experiences led by seven local makers. Guests can craft custom tea blends, screenprint floral bucket hats and tote bags, or create framed pressed-flower art—perfect souvenirs inspired by the Show. (Purchase required.)
New for 2026, Potting Parties invite guests to learn floral arranging fundamentals in fun, interactive workshops led by Tu Bloom, Official Botanical Artist of the Grammy® Awards.
Meanwhile, the Know to Grow educational sessions run daily and are free with admission, offering expert insight on native plants, pollinators, orchids, vegetables, and the historical influences behind American gardening.
The Flower Show shines with playful programming for all ages:
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Family Frolic (March 1): interactive kids’ activities and creative play
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Blossom & Breathe (March 4): a wellness-forward evening with yoga and botanical vendors
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Fido Friday (March 6): leashed dogs welcome on the Show floor
When the sun sets, the Flower Show transforms into an enchanted woodland during Flowers After Hours: The Folklore of the Forest on Saturday, March 7, from 8:30–11:30 pm.
Guests can dance beneath a lush floral canopy, sip themed cocktails, and fully embrace fantasy-inspired fashion—from subtle fairy touches to full cosplay. New for 2026, the after-hours celebration includes:
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A special appearance by Gritty from 9:00–9:30 pm
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A drag performance (performer to be announced) courtesy of Fabrika
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Live DJ dancing in the Entrance Garden
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A whimsical, myth-filled atmosphere that turns the Show into a nighttime dreamscape
Tickets are $75, 21+ only, and include exclusive access after public hours. Last entry is 10:00 pm; no re-entry permitted.
