Philadelphia Flower Show
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world's largest and longest-running horticultural event, attracting over 250,000 visitors annually since 1829. Organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show transforms the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a 10-acre indoor garden featuring elaborate themed displays, competitive exhibitions, and thousands of plant varieties. Each year's show follows a theme that inspires massive installations, from tropical paradises to European gardens. The Flower Show launches the spring season in Philadelphia and generates an estimated $70 million in economic impact for the region.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Origins (1829)
[edit | edit source]First show:
- Founded 1829
- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
- America's first flower show
- Masonic Hall venue
19th Century
[edit | edit source]Growth:
- Annual tradition established
- Competition format developed
- National recognition
- Venue changes
20th Century
[edit | edit source]Major expansion:
- Civic Center era
- Themed shows introduced
- National exhibitors
- Television coverage
Convention Center Era (1996-present)
[edit | edit source]Modern show:
- Pennsylvania Convention Center
- Massive installations
- 250,000+ attendance
- International acclaim
The Show
[edit | edit source]Scale
[edit | edit source]Dimensions:
- 10+ acres of displays
- 1,000+ exhibitors
- Hundreds of thousands of flowers
- Week-long event
Themes
[edit | edit source]Annual concepts:
- Elaborate thematic presentations
- Major installations
- Creative interpretation
- Designer competition
Notable Themes
[edit | edit source]Past shows:
- "Flower Power" (2007)
- "Passport to the World" (2009)
- "Hawaii: Islands of Aloha" (2015)
- "Holland: Flowering the World" (2017)
Competition
[edit | edit source]Categories
[edit | edit source]Competitive classes:
- Major exhibits
- Landscape design
- Floral design
- Horticulture specimens
- Photography
Exhibitors
[edit | edit source]Participants:
- Professional designers
- Garden clubs
- Nurseries
- Amateur gardeners
- Students
Awards
[edit | edit source]Recognition:
- Best in Show
- President's Trophy
- Category awards
- People's Choice
Major Exhibits
[edit | edit source]Landscape Displays
[edit | edit source]Large installations:
- Full-scale gardens
- Professional designers
- Themed environments
- Massive plant installations
Hamilton Horticourt
[edit | edit source]Competition hall:
- Individual specimen competition
- Thousands of entries
- Judged horticulture
- Traditional focus
Marketplace
[edit | edit source]Shopping:
- Plants for sale
- Garden accessories
- Specialty vendors
- Demonstrations
Programming
[edit | edit source]Demonstrations
[edit | edit source]Live events:
- Gardening techniques
- Floral design
- Expert speakers
- Workshops
Lectures
[edit | edit source]Education:
- Celebrity gardeners
- Landscape designers
- Plant specialists
- Environmental topics
Special Events
[edit | edit source]Evening programs:
- Preview party
- Fashion shows
- Evening receptions
- Members events
Economic Impact
[edit | edit source]Regional Benefits
[edit | edit source]Economic driver:
- $70+ million impact
- Hotel occupancy
- Restaurant business
- Retail sales
Tourism
[edit | edit source]Visitors:
- Regional draw
- National visitors
- International guests
- Spring tradition
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
[edit | edit source]Organization
[edit | edit source]Host:
- Founded 1827
- Oldest horticultural society in U.S.
- Community programs
- Green initiatives
Mission
[edit | edit source]Purpose:
- Gardening education
- City greening
- Environmental stewardship
- Community gardens
Programs
[edit | edit source]Year-round work:
- PHS Pop Up Gardens
- City Harvest
- Philadelphia LandCare
- Tree planting
Attending
[edit | edit source]Tickets
[edit | edit source]Access:
- General admission
- Advance purchase recommended
- Member discounts
- Group rates
Tips
[edit | edit source]Visitor experience:
- Weekday visits less crowded
- Comfortable shoes essential
- Photography encouraged
- Full day experience
Accessibility
[edit | edit source]Accommodations:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Scooter rentals
- Sensory considerations
- Rest areas
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Philadelphia Flower Show". Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Retrieved December 31, 2025