Where to see rhododendrons in Scotland

The genus Rhododendron is exceptionally large with over 1000 species.

This results in great variety, from the smallest Alpine rhododendrons to impressive forest trees, all exhibiting different characteristics and features which make them so interesting (and eminently collectable). Their flower power is exceptional and a great majority can be grown in Scotland. They are found in parks and domestic gardens but also in larger gardens open to the public; beautiful displays and, most usefully, in those collections that are labelled, where names can be put to plants.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is the world leader in the genus Rhododendron, with a library and herbarium and its comprehensively labelled collection, in Edinburgh. There are also extensive, fully labelled collections at the RBGE outstations: Dawyck, near Peebles, where rhododendrons suited to colder districts can be seen, at Logan Botanic Garden, on the Mull of Galloway, whose equitable climate allows the most tender rhododendrons to be grown and, in the west, Bisit/b;lass="alignnormal">