Cover picture details…
99 dragon pool in NW Yunnan at an altitude of 3,700-4,000m. R. wardii under towering Abies trees. Colin Jones.
The cover picture is updated periodically using the most eye-catching pictures posted on our Facebook page, so keep posting…
Click on slider images for shortcuts to our most exciting pages and up-to-date posts.
Welcome to our official website. A global platform for rhododendron enthusiasts to connect and share resources.
“There are many specialists in our society but the majority are keen amateur growers with an interest in all types of plants.”
Benefits of becoming a member
Twice Yearly Review
Publications keeping you up to date with what is going on in the society. Also contains interesting articles on cultivation, members gardens, and visits. Take a look at one of our recent reviews… 2022 Autumn Review No 89
‘The World of the Rhododendron’ Yearbook
A comprehensive publication full of in-depth articles about our favourite plants, both rhododendrons, and companion plants. Also articles describing plant hunting expeditions to rhododendron rich areas of the world. Take a look at one of our recent publications 2022 Yearbook No23
Seed Exchange
Containing a wide variety of seeds from rhododendrons, trees and shrubs, primulas and other companion plants.
Garden visits and Tours
Guided tours of gardens and nurseries, often visiting places not normally open to the public. Areas visited include Cornwall, Wales, Ireland, Southern England and areas of Scotland. 2024 Spring Tour of Argyll Gardens
Joint Autumn Conference
Joining up with the ‘Rhododendron Species Conservation Group’ each year for presentations by keynote speakers on all aspects of horticulture and plant conservation.
Practical Workshops
A chance to gain practical experience on a wide range of skills including propagation techniques.
Free Garden Entry
Visit two of Scotland’s most prestigious ‘Himalayan Glen’ style gardens for free. Arduaine Gardens and Crarae Gardens in Argyll. Both gardens, along with other gardens of botanical importance are part of The National Trust for Scotland
American Rhododendron Society
Increase your membership to include the ARS and expand your networking opportunities. The ARS quarterly journals are full of garden descriptions, cultivation hints and in-depth articles from around the world. Joining the ARS also gives you access to their seed exchange. Visit The American Rhododendron Society.
“Every garden, even the smallest, can house a few rhododendrons and the SRS can introduce you to the delight of growing this beautiful group of plants in the company of other like minded gardeners.”
Read more about us and our passion for rhododendrons.
The Scottish Rhododendron Society is a registered charity, no. SC008975
We aim to promote a wider interest in the genus Rhododendron.
“This is a vast genus of woody plants with possibly a thousand species and still more being discovered. The geographic range and variety of habitat, from tropical to alpine, the size, from small leaved shrubs to forest trees, the varieties of bark, foliage and flowers make this group of plants an immense subject for study.”
Our mission is to inspire people to grow and enjoy Rhododendrons.
“Rhododendrons generate great passion and enthusiasm in those who seek to find new species, identify and conserve existing ones or simply grow and propagate them.”
“We share expert knowledge through publications and social media. We provide practical advice and education through workshops, seminars and garden visits. We welcome everyone, no matter their level of expertise.”
SRS Noticeboard
Regular Events & Activities
Education & Exploration Fund
The Scottish Rhododendron Society has recently established the SRS Education and Exploration Grant Fund which will award grants of up to £1000 to young horticulturists and gardeners to pursue research and further study primarily into the genus Rhododendron.
This could include study tours and exploration to observe rhododendrons in their natural habitat.
Applications can now be submitted for next year.
See below for more information about the E&E fund and find information for applicants and application form.
Education and Exploration Fund Grant Page
Funds are limited and applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Seed Exchange
It’s that time of year again! Start collecting seed to contribute towards the seed exchange. Rhododendrons and companion plants, from trees and shrubs to primulas and other perennials are accepted. Send to our seed exchange manager, Willie Campbell.
Scottish Rhododendron Show
The Society organises an annual show at the end of April where competitors show their best blooms from every rhododendron section, including species and hybrids. Anyone may enter and a novice cup is awarded to the first time exhibitor who wins this class. A visit to the show will provide an excellent introduction to our society and you will receive a warm welcome.
Details of 2025 show available on future events page.
SRS AGM
Members are invited to attend the 40th AGM on Friday 25th Apr, 2pm at 2025 Gibson Hall, Garelochhead. The meeting will be available online via zoom. Connection details will be shared to members by e-mail nearer the time.
Spring Garden Tour
Our Spring Tour to Argyll Gardens this year was very successful. SRS members can look forward to garden reviews in ‘The World of the Rhododendron’ Autumn review. Summary of Spring Tour
Joint Autumn Conference
SRS and RSCG members are invited to attend the Joint Autumn Conference at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) on the 5th October 2024 , Start time: 9:30am. Topic: Modern-day Botanical Travellers. More details on our Events Page.
Members Area
Contents :
- Useful Contacts
- ‘Stoatin doon’ rainfall record
- Event planner with most current and up to date committee decisions and plans.
- AGM minutes archive
- Seed-list archive
- Publications archive
- AC Expedition field notes
Important Diary Dates 2024
- Joint Autumn Conference Sat 5th Oct
- Seed Donations to be in by Mid December
Important Diary Dates 2025
- AGM 25th April
- Rhododendron Show 26th April
Presidents Newsletter
Practical Advice
Click on icons below
A Compilation of Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Rhododendron and Azalea?
Azaleas are all classified within the genus Rhododendron although historically they were placed into distinct genera. read more…
What is Rhododendron ponticum and why is it such a problem?
Rhododendron ponticum Statement
Does Rhododendron ponticum poison the soil? Rhododendron Allelopathy
How do I identify Rhododendrons?
Learning to identify rhododendrons is very tricky and can take years of study. Fortunately, here you are amongst a group of enthusiasts that love nothing more than the challenge of identifying plants. Post pictures of your unknown plant on our Facebook page with as much information as you can and see what you find out.
What is the Nagoya protocol and how does it affect rhododendron growers?
Ratified by the UK government in 2014 and effectively bringing an end to distribution of plant material including seed. more data coming soon…
Can I still use peat? What alternatives are there ?
The Scottish government has made a pledge to end the sale of peat but as of yet, no date has been set. A public consultation in 2023 led to the SRS conducting our own survey into peat use. Survey results.
What Health and Safety issues should I be aware of when working with soil?
health and safety update by Marion Kinns, Technical Director
What plant pests and diseases do I need to be aware of ?
Marion Kinns as plant health watchdog for the SRS is happy to investigate a wide range of plant problems and find answers. Plant Health Questions & Answers
More questions than answers
A range of questions to be answered by SRS members.
- What is the difference between species and hybrid rhododendrons ?
- What does lepidote and elepidote mean ?
- Rhododendron classification is confusing. Can someone explain it to me ?
- What are the benefits of propagating from cuttings and how do I go about it?
- What are the benefits of propagating by grafting and what technique do I use?
Glossary of Terms
Rhododendron Galleries
- Rhododendra database – A website containing thousands of rhododendron species and hybrids from contributors across the globe
- Species image herbarium – Rhododendron Species Conservation Group (rscg.org.uk) -Rare & endangered species
- SRS Gallery of Flowering Times – Our own gallery created using Facebook posts from members across Scotland.
Find the SRS on Facebook 