Blooming rhododendron collection

A collection of rhododendrons is blooming in the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus!

The genus Rhododendron (Rhododendron L.) includes about 1,300 species. The geography of distribution of rhododendron species is vast: from the Arctic to the tropical zone. There is only one species in the flora of Belarus – yellow rhododendron (Lelchitsy and Zhitkovichi districts), listed in the Red Book of Belarus.

The formation of the rhododendron collection in the botanical garden began in the mid-60s of the last century.

Currently, the rhododendron collection of the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus contains about 80 species, subspecies and natural forms and more than 140 varieties. In recent years, the collection has been actively replenished with new varieties and hybrids.

In the conditions of the central zone of Belarus, rhododendrons begin to bloom in the 2nd decade of April, sometimes even earlier. Far Eastern species are the first to bloom. Mass flowering of species and varieties occurs in the second half of May - the first ten days of June.

Interesting facts about rhododendrons:

• The generic name Rhododendron in Greek means "rose tree".
• Rhododendrons are also indoor (greenhouse) azaleas.
• Rhododendrons grow better and bloom more luxuriantly in acidic soils and surrounded by conifers.
• Almost all types of rhododendrons are poisonous, some more, some less.
• Rhododendrons are mostly odorless, only some varieties have a slight aroma.