Philadelphia Flower Show 2026 celebrates 250 years of American gardening

The nation's largest horticulture show features fantasy displays about the origins and evolution of gardening in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's annual Philadelphia Flower Show is themed 'Rooted: Origins of American Gardening' this year, coinciding with America's 250th birthday. The show features a variety of exhibits that explore the history and personal connections to gardening in the U.S., including a recreation of a century-old family florist shop, a Shakespearean-inspired floral production, and a metaphorical landscape design tracing the evolution of American gardening styles.

Why it matters

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and oldest horticulture event, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This year's theme taps into the nation's 250th anniversary, providing an opportunity to reflect on the origins and evolution of American gardening traditions, from formal European styles to more naturalistic native plantings. The show highlights how gardening has been woven into the personal and community histories of many Americans.

The details

The show's grand entrance exhibit features a 23-foot tall arch made of woven branches and flowers, meant to evoke an 'otherworldly' forest floor scene. Other exhibits include a recreation of a century-old family florist shop in Chestnut Hill, complete with period floral displays, and a Shakespearean-inspired floral production that tells the tragic love story of a sunflower and rose. One landscape design, 'American Anemoia,' depicts an overgrown, dilapidated garden meant to symbolize the shift from formal European styles to more naturalistic American gardening.

  • The Philadelphia Flower Show opens on Saturday, February 28, 2026 and runs through March 8, 2026.

The players

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

The organization that hosts the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation's largest and oldest horticulture event.

Seth Pearsoll

The creative director and vice president for the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Robertson's Flowers

A landmark Chestnut Hill florist that has been a family business for nearly 100 years, and is featured in an exhibit at the flower show.

Taylor Ferry

The great, great grandson of the founder of Robertson's Flowers, who is presenting the family business's history through a flower show exhibit.

Jennifer Reed

The designer behind the 'Forever Bound, Rooted in Love' exhibit at the flower show, which features a Shakespearean-inspired floral production.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of my favorite things when someone comes in and says, 'You did my mother's wedding and my grandmother's wedding!' We are rooted in our community.”

— Taylor Ferry, Owner, Robertson's Flowers (Instagram)

“It's very nerve-racking. But I'm glad for the opportunity to help my mom out like this.”

— Chloe Oechsle, 17-year-old daughter of Jennifer Reed (Instagram)

“Kelly is a phenomenal gardener. He takes very complicated things and makes them read beautifully.”

— Seth Pearsoll, Creative Director, Philadelphia Flower Show (Instagram)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Flower Show will continue its celebration of America's 250th birthday throughout the event, with special programming and exhibits highlighting the history and evolution of gardening in the United States.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Flower Show's 'Rooted' theme taps into the nation's semiquincentennial, providing a unique opportunity to explore the personal, community, and national stories woven into the history of American gardening. From formal European styles to more naturalistic native plantings, the show's exhibits showcase the diverse roots and enduring traditions of horticulture in the U.S.