Belgium’s beloved monarch Queen Mathilde will be honoured with a unique floral tribute at the upcoming Ghent Floraliën 2026, as a newly developed azalea variety is officially

named after her. The unveiling will take place on Thursday, when the Queen presents the plant to the public for the first time. One day earlier, she and King Philippe will inaugurate the prestigious exhibition.

The new cultivar, created by the family-run company Drieghe Azalea, represents more than a decade of meticulous horticultural work. Breeders combined careful selection and crossbreeding techniques to achieve a refined plant distinguished by delicate white-pink blossoms and subtle tonal variations.

According to organisers, the naming carries strong symbolic value. The Ghent azalea—one of Belgium’s most recognisable horticultural exports—has long been a cornerstone of Flemish floriculture. By associating it with Queen Mathilde, the sector highlights both its heritage and its continued international relevance.

A tradition rooted in history

The Ghent Floraliën traces its origins back to 1808, when local horticultural societies first organised floral showcases to promote botanical innovation. Over the centuries, it has evolved into one of Europe’s most renowned flower and plant exhibitions, held every four years in Ghent. The event has mirrored the evolution of horticulture itself—from early plant collections to today’s immersive, large-scale floral installations.

Now staged across the city’s cultural heart, including landmarks such as the Floraliënhal, ’t Kuipke, and the Botanical Garden in Citadel Park, the festival transforms Ghent into a living gallery of botanical art. For ten days, it brings together leading florists, growers, landscape architects and artists from around the world.

The newly christened “Mathilde” azalea is expected to serve as the signature flower of the 2026 edition, blending royal symbolism with centuries-old floral craftsmanship. Photo by Donarreiskoffer, Wikimedia commons.