Plant committees

Plant committees have been at the heart of the RHS since the first floral committee was founded in 1858, providing immense knowledge and expertise. While much plant-committee work goes on behind the scenes there are more than 400 distinguished horticulturists who give their time and knowledge voluntarily to help the RHS fulfil its charitable aim of inspiring, informing and educating all gardeners.

Main plant committees

Click on the links to find out more.

Carnation and Pinks Sub-committee
Chrysanthemum Sub-committee
Daffodil & Tulip Committee
Dahlia Sub-committee
Delphinium Sub-committee
Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Committee
Herbaceous Plant Committee (previously Floral A)
Iris Sub-committee
Orchid Committee
Rhododendron & Camellia Sub-committee
Rock Garden Plant Committee
Sweet Pea Sub-committee
Tender Ornamental Plant Committee (previously Floral C)
Woody Plant Committee (previously Floral B)

Judging

The main plant committees and sub-committees meet at each RHS London Flower Show to judge group exhibits and to award medals accordingly. Committees then meet to judge individual plant exhibits and to discuss horticultural developments.

At other RHS flower shows - including Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace and Tatton Park - panels of plant committee and sub-committee members are convened to judge exhibits.

Trials

Many committees also meet on trials fields such as that at RHS Garden Wisley.
Plants on trial may be awarded the coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) if they pass the demanding assessments of horticultural merit made by the committees, while reports on the plant trials provide invaluable information.

Other activities

While judging and plant trials dominate the work of many committees, other activities include the development of Plant Committee Seminar Days, assisting with the production of Yearbooks and show schedules, or getting involved with the disciplines of nomenclature and taxonomy.

RHS interest groups

Fruit Group
Lily Group
Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia Group

The work of three committees is entirely devoted to the development of these RHS Groups, providing RHS members with exclusive access to meet like-minded enthusiasts, attend more events, and receive more publications and information.
More information on the groups

Proceedings

Extracts of the Proceedings, which records the official committee business of the Royal Horticultural Society

Hanburyana

Hanburyana, published annually by the RHS Botany Department, is a serial dedicated to horticultural taxonomy.
Find out more