


The New Plant Awards area at the HTA National Plant Show highlights the latest ornamental introductions, giving growers and retailers an early look at varieties set to shape the coming season.
With summer in sight, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has opened visitor registration for the 2026 National Plant Show, one of the UK’s key trade events for environmental horticulture.
Returning to NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, central England, around 30 km from Birmingham International Airport, the two-day event, from 17 to 18 June 2026, is free to attend and already has more than 200 confirmed exhibitor stands. The show brings together growers, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers under one roof, offering a focused showcase of plant production, retail solutions and the latest sector innovations.
For professional visitors, the National Plant Show offers an opportunity to assess new genetics, review merchandising concepts and connect directly with UK-based producers and supply-chain partners. With strong exhibitor growth compared to 2025, when more than 150 companies took part, this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive yet.
Elia Johnston, Director of Membership and Marketing at the HTA, said the event continues to evolve in scale and impact. “The National Plant Show is a one-stop destination showcasing everything from plant production and retail solutions to the latest industry innovations and the New Plant Awards,” she commented. “In 2025, there were more than 150 exhibitors, and this year is shaping up to be an even stronger and more exciting event, with over 200 stands already confirmed, including first-time exhibitors and some of the biggest names in the industry.”
Beyond its commercial focus, the show maintains a community dimension. Donations from exhibitors and the HTA Village in 2025 were planted in hospice gardens or sold to raise funds for charitable causes. The organisers intend to continue this initiative.
A central feature of the show is the New Plant Awards, which recognise excellence and innovation in plant breeding and production. Attracting over 100 entries annually, the awards are judged by an expert panel on the opening morning and give breeders, growers and marketers a valuable launch platform for new varieties.
The 2026 award categories include Annuals and Tender Perennials, Cacti & Succulents, Flowering Houseplants, Foliage Houseplants, Herbaceous Perennials, Shrubs (including Conifers), and Trees, reflecting the breadth of the UK ornamental sector.
For international readers of FloraCulture International, the National Plant Show offers insight into UK market trends and plant development, as British growers navigate cost pressures, sustainability requirements and evolving consumer expectations. As the season unfolds, the event provides a snapshot of how UK environmental horticulture is positioning itself for growth.
Visitor registration opens for the HTA’s National Plant Show.