Chelsea Flower Show information, tickets and coverage
All our coverage from this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. From the top gardens to the latest news, we bring you everything you need to know
www.gardensillustrated.comHere’s the latest on RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Summary
- The 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs 19–23 May 2026 in London, with tickets sold out for the public days but occasional returns and Chelsea Late events still possible.[1]
- The show continues to feature headline gardens, new plant introductions, and collaborations, with ongoing coverage of show gardens and design News as Chelsea 2026 unfolds.[3][4][1]
Key updates and highlights
- 2026 schedule and logistics: Public days are 21–22 May (8:00 am–8:00 pm), with a Friday Chelsea Late from 5:30 pm–10:00 pm (sold out) and a Plant Sell-Off on 23 May starting at 4:00 pm.[1]
- Garden design and participants: Chelsea 2026 features returning designers and new collaborations; notable names reported include Sarah Eberle, Tom Stuart-Smith, Catherine MacDonald, Kazuyuki Ishihara, Darren Hawkes, and Harry Holding, with projects supported by initiatives like Project Giving Back.[3]
- Plant collection and trends: The RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2025 continues to set benchmarks for new varieties showcased at Chelsea, reflecting evolving trends in plant breeding and introduction at the show.[8][10]
- Media and coverage: Broad coverage from outlets like Gardens Illustrated, House Beautiful, ITV News, and Pro Landscaper Magazine tracks show announcements, changes for 2026, and highlights such as new gardens and potential climate-change adaptations in plant and garden design.[2][4][6][3]
- Notable themes: Expect emphasis on sustainable design, innovative planting schemes, and new global collaborations, as Chelsea maintains its role as a leading platform for horticultural innovation.[4][10]
What to expect this year
- Show experience: A mix of show gardens, the Great Pavilion displays, plant sales, talks, and VIP events, with limited public capacity due to sellouts on general tickets but occasional returns and add-ons still possible.[1]
- Notable announcements: Coverage suggests ongoing announcements around new gardens, plant introductions, and possible royal or high-profile collaborations, continuing Chelsea’s tradition of notable partnerships and featured varieties.[6][4][3]
Example: If you’re planning a visit
- Check for any ticket returns or resale options on the RHS Chelsea site ahead of your visit, and plan around the public days (May 21–22) plus the Chelsea Late option if available.[1]
- Consider exploring the Plant Sell-Off on May 23 for bargains and to see plants that performed well in show conditions during the week.[1]
Would you like me to pull the most recent press releases or attendee guides for Chelsea 2026, or help you plan an itinerary based on specific gardens or designers you’re most interested in? I can summarize relevant articles from major outlets and provide a concise day-by-day plan.