The iconic Barbican Conservatory in London is giving away thousands of its plants for free. Here's everything you need to know.

Published: August 10, 2026 at 11:10 am

Ahead of its upcoming three-year restoration project, London's famous Barbican Conservatory is getting ready to give away thousands of plants from its collection. The renowned space is the city's second-biggest conservatory (after the Princess of Wales glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ), and has housed more than 800 species of plants, including bananas, palms and cacti.

Visitors will be able to take home species including giant-leafed monstera, glossy ficus and purple-and-green tradescantia, all of which will be propagated and shared by Wayward Plants – the organisation responsible for redistributing the plants, trees and materials from RHS flower shows , including Chelsea .

“Together with the Barbican’s horticultural team, we are propagating thousands of cuttings from this extraordinary collection, creating a living legacy for…