HTA on course to host the largest ever National Plant Show
8 May 2026
With six weeks to go until the National Plant Show, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced that the event is shaping up to be the largest yet, with more than 260 exhibitor stands already confirmed and a new networking and collaboration zone, sponsored by Sinclair.
The National Plant Show attracts more than 1,200 visitors each year and brings the entire industry together under one roof to showcase the latest plants, products and the best of UK environmental horticulture. The must-attend event runs from Wednesday 17 to Thursday 18 June 2026, and this year marks the 15th live show at NAEC Stoneleigh.
Visitors will be able to explore two bustling exhibition halls packed with innovative displays and industry-leading exhibitors. The prestigious New Plant Awards take centre stage, showcasing the very latest plant introductions and highlighting the creativity and excellence across the industry.
The Sinclair Collaboration Area (New for 2026) – Sponsored by Sinclair
A brand-new addition to the National Plant Show for 2026 is the Sinclair Collaboration Area. Sponsored by Sinclair - growing media specialists at the forefront of innovation and performance – it is a zone where visitors can network with colleagues and customers, join a seminar or grab a coffee while reflecting on the many stands they’ve visited.
The programme (at the time of publication) is as follows:
Wednesday 17 June
- 10:30 New Plant Awards Highlights: Led by Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the HTA, alongside the New Plant Award Judges. The session highlights the winning plants, why they won and how they contribute to the plant area offering.
- 11:30 Networking Event: Women in Horticulture
- 13:00 Policy Talk: Led by the HTA Policy and Public Affairs Team
- 14:30 Technical workshop: Led by Wayne Brough, the HTA’s Technical Horticulture Manager
- 16:00 Networking Event: YPHA
Thursday 18 June
- 10:30 Technical workshop: Led by Wayne Brough, the HTA’s Technical Horticulture Manager
- 11:30 Networking Event: OHAS
- 13:00 Nuffield Scholarship Announcement: Alan Down
More opportunities are still to be announced!
The New Plant Awards – Sponsored by ICL Group
The New Plant Awards – Sponsored by ICL Group - are the beating heart of the National Plant Show and are a prestigious recognition of excellence in the horticultural industry. Over the years, the awards have grown in prestige and are now the place to find the next best-selling plant for garden centres.
These awards recognise the most innovative and exceptional plant varieties, showcasing their unique features, outstanding performance, and exceptional beauty. The New Plant Awards also serve as an important platform for plant breeders, growers, and marketers to introduce their latest creations to the industry and to the public.
The New Plant Areas
Attracting over 150 entries in 2025, this year’s New Plant Awards will be displayed in one of two ‘New Plant Areas’ across the showground: one in the centre of Hall 1 and the other in Hall 2 – just look out for the pink carpet!
Entries are judged by an expert panel on the first day of the show, and winners will be announced in the New Plant Area during the media preview on Wednesday, 18 June 2026.
The categories include:
- Annuals, Tender Perennials and Container & Basket Plants
- Cacti & Succulents
- Flowering Houseplants
- Foliage Houseplants
- Herbaceous Perennials
- Shrubs (including Conifers) & Climbers
- Trees
There will also be a visitor vote, sponsored by Floramedia. Visitors are invited to identify their favourite new plant from the seven ‘Best in Category’ winners by placing a token into the voting boxes near the show entrance. The winner of the visitor vote will be announced on Thursday, 19 June 2026.
The HTA Village
The HTA Village is a vibrant area at the heart of the show. It’s a go-to hub for all things HTA, where visitors can:
Discover new industry initiatives
- Meet the HTA team and get expert advice
- Learn about key topics, such as Policy, Your Garden Year, Plant Health & Biosecurity
- Explore the benefits of HTA Membership
- Find out more about the National Garden Gift Card scheme
- And… grab a free coffee from the cafe at the HTA Village.
To register for visitor tickets for the National Plant Show: hta.org.uk/national-plant-show/visitor-information
Exhibitors can enter the New Plant Awards before Tuesday 19 May 2026 via this link: hta.org.uk/national-plant-show/new-plant-awards/registration
And for more information about the show’s partners, visit: https://hta.org.uk/national-plant-show/show-partners?pageIndex=2