Wimbledon's most iconic flowers, including hydrangeas and petunias, are under threat as the All England Club adapts to hotter summers driven by climate change. Head gardener Martyn Falconer is leading a shift toward more drought-friendly plants while avoiding those deemed 'too Mediterranean,' such as olive trees and rosemary, to maintain the tournament's traditional 'tennis in an English country garden' aesthetic.
Hydrangeas: A Century-Old Tradition at Risk
For decades, over 5,000 hydrangeas have been a centerpiece of Wimbledon's floral displays, dating back to the 1920s. Falconer, who oversees a team of 25 gardeners, told The Mail on Sunday that while hydrangeas are 'very iconic for Wimbledon,' the club is exploring alternatives that offer a similar visual impact. 'It's my favourite plant but we are looking to see if we can find something that will give you the same wow as a hydrangea,' he said.
Petunias and Geraniums Already Phased Out
The shift in planting strategy began years ago. Falconer noted that when he joined Wimbledon, thousands of petunias and geraniums were planted annually as annual bedding plants, a trend common in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 'We have completely changed that and petunias are the only ones we really use,' he explained. This year, Wimbledon features around 19,000 petunias in over 200 hanging baskets, but these too may be replaced as part of the club's climate-resilient planning.
Climate-Resilient Scheme: The Hill Project
Wimbledon's 'climate-resilient' scheme, set to launch next year on Henman Hill—renamed 'The Hill Project'—will include a slow transition to peat-free soil in hanging baskets starting in 2025. The move aims to reduce the environmental impact of the tournament while adapting to hotter temperatures, which are expected to persist during the championships.
Heatwaves and the Future of Wimbledon's Flora
This year's championships are forecast to be played in hot conditions, with a potential heatwave. Falconer emphasized the need to future-proof the floral displays against extreme weather. While Mediterranean plants like olive trees and rosemary were considered, they were ruled out as unsuitable for preserving Wimbledon's distinct character. The goal is to find drought-tolerant species that still evoke the lush, English garden ambiance that spectators have come to expect.
Wimbledon 2026: Dates and Format
The Wimbledon Championships 2026 will be played over 14 days from Monday, June 29, to Sunday, July 12. The tournament begins with two days of Gentlemen's and Ladies' Singles matches, followed by Gentlemen's and Ladies' Doubles starting on Wednesday, and Mixed Doubles on Friday.
