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 a selection of ‘Review’ and ‘Yearbook’ back issues
‘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 some recent ‘Review’ and ‘Yearbook’ back issues
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.
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 the year 2024. See below for Information for Applicants and the Application Form.
Application Form
Funds are limited and applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Seed Exchange
Although the Seed Exchange is now closed, we still have plenty seed left and if you would like to get a £10.00 or £5.00 surprise package of rhododendron, trees and shrubs along with companion plant seed. Just Email me. william.campbellwj@btinternet.com
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 upcoming show
SRS AGM
Members are invited to attend 39th AGM. Fri 26th Apr, 2pm. 2024 Gibson Hall. More details in members area
Spring Garden Tour
Our Spring Tour to Argyll Gardens this year is all booked hotel-wise, but you can still join in on a daily basis, please contact Willie Campbell for details.
Joint Autumn Conference
Date and venue now confirmed for 2024 as being: Sat 5th Oct, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE). Topic: Modern-day Botanical Travellers. More details on our Events Page.
Members Area
Keep up to date with SRS committee decisions and other news. Enter Members Area
Important Diary Dates 2024
- AGM 26 April
- Rhododendron Show 27th April
- Argyll Garden Tour Mon 6th May- Fri 10th May
- Joint Autumn Conference Sat 5th Oct
- Seed Donations to be in by Mid December
Presidents Newsletter
“As always, your committee is here to help answer questions or queries you may have on plants, gardens to visit, also if you our members may have some suggestions you may like to see the Society becoming involved in, please contact anyone on committee..”
Willie Campbell, President
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