The Scottish National Rhododendron Show & Exhibition 25th April 2026
Open to all : SRS members and non-members are welcome to exhibit or attend the show. Whether you have a large established rhododendron collection or have only a few plants, we want you to take part ! There is something for everyone!
Scotland’s Premiere Rhododendron Show will once again be held at:
Gibson Hall, Garelochhead
Postcode : G84 0AT
| EXHIBITION-DAY TIMETABLE |
|---|
| Exhibition Set-up : 8am |
| Judging begins : 9.45am |
| Plant stalls open : 10am |
| Exhibition open :12pm |
| Award Presentations : 1.30pm |
| Finish : 3pm |
| *set-up also on Fri 3pm – 7pm |
- 49 classes to enter, including a restricted section for first time exhibitors (sect 4).
- 12 awards to be won for different sections, some awarded on a point system for those showing in several classes.
- Photographic competition. You don’t have any rhododendrons ? Never mind ! Enter your best images of plants and animals. (sect 7). Best over-all winner takes home ‘Wild Argyll Trophy’.
- Book Sale. Donate unused gardening books or pick up a bargain.
- Plant sales. Stalls with Rhododendrons and Azaleas from a Specialist Rhododendron Nursery and SRS members plant stall. Money raised at the SRS plant stall goes towards our ‘Education & Exploration Fund’.
Show Promotion
Help promote this show and make it even bigger and better. Click on the image, share online or print and distribute at will…
For results and highlights of last years show, click image below…
Meet the Judges
The exhibits are judged by a panel of three rhododendron experts:
- David Chamberlain, globally respected authority on Rhododendrons, RBGE
- Richard Baines, Curator at Logan Botanic Garden
- Maurice Wilkins, Garden advisor and former Head gardener NTS Arduaine
Rhododendrons have a beautiful and diverse range of flowers, appreciated by many, and the exhibition is a chance to display them at their best. We encourage new exhibitors to take part and share the beauty of one of our most spectacular garden plants.
Plenty of help is on hand on the big day and the links below are full of advice from seasoned exhibitors, and even better; one of the judges share insider tips on how to ensure your exhibit stands out.
Click here for Katrina’s tips on exhibiting
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the exhibition ?
Visitors- £2.
Children- Free.
SRS and RSCG members- Free.
Is there food available at the show?
Light refreshments available to purchase on show day. Soup, sandwiches.
Are dogs allowed into the hall ?
No dogs in the hall except guide dogs.
What happens to the exhibits after the show ?
Exhibitors are welcome to take their exhibits back home. Any left over material is disposed of responsibly to avoid potentially spreading disease. The SRS take biosecurity seriously.
What happens if I actually win a trophy ?
If you have entered an exhibit make sure to stay till the awards presentation. There are 3 trophies to be won in the novice section (Section 4 -Restricted Entry) so there is a very high chance of winning something. You will be presented with the award after the exhibition. Only SRS members have the option to take the trophy home. If you take it home, we will reimburse cost of engraving. Be sure to return before next show.
Does the plant stall accept card payment ?
Card payment will be available.
What is the ‘Education & Exploration Fund’?
The SRS has a long and rich history in botanical expeditions with many of our members having explored remote corners across the world. We recognise the many benefits of this pursuit and want to encourage and support young horticulturists interested in such activities. The E&E fund helps finance this. more details.
With Argyll now in peak rhododendron flowering season, why not visit some local gardens and have a full weekend of rhododendron inspiration !
Nearby Gardens
| Garden | Address | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|
| Glenarn | Rhu, By Helensburgh, G84 8LL | From 21st Mar, dusk till dawn |
| Linn Botanic Gardens | Shore Road, Cove, Helensburgh, G84 0NR | Check social media for updates |
| Geilston Garden NTS | Main Road, Cardross, Dumbarton, G82 5HD | 10am till 5pm |
Places to eat
| Cafe & Restaurants |
|---|
| The Perch, Garelochhead |
| Green Kettle Tearoom, Garelochhead |
| The Kilcreggan, Kilcreggan |
| The Creggans, Kilcreggan |
A few highlights from the 2025 show…
