Amazingly 140 Varieties! Azaleas Blooming at the Botanical Garden of Riga 0 21

Currently, more than 140 varieties of azaleas are blooming simultaneously in the greenhouse, with new buds opening every day. Thanks to the collection featuring early, mid-season, and late varieties, the blooming period lasts several months - usually from late autumn to spring, with the peak occurring in March and April.

The tradition of growing azaleas at the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia has been ongoing for over half a century. The foundation of the collection was laid in 1956 by Professor and breeder Richard Kondratovich, who dedicated many years to studying rhododendrons and azaleas.

From 1962 to 2017, the scientist created 26 new varieties, and the collection gradually expanded with the work of breeders from Latvia and other countries. While it was considered the largest in the Baltic states in the 1970s, it has now become the largest collection of azaleas in Northern Europe.

Currently, around 1,000 bushes grow in the House of Azaleas, some of which are over 50-60 years old. The collection impresses with its variety of shades and forms. In the House of Azaleas, one can see plants with flowers in delicate white, pink, bright raspberry, rich red, and bicolored hues.

Some varieties have unusual petal shapes or decorative patterns. This diversity makes the greenhouse a particularly popular place for walks, photo sessions, and creative activities.

Interesting Facts About Azaleas

Azaleas belong to the rhododendron genus and originate from the mountainous forests of Asia. Today, several thousand varieties of these ornamental plants are known worldwide.

One of the features of azaleas is their ability to bloom in cold weather. In greenhouses, when the temperature and humidity are properly maintained, they can delight with their blooms from autumn to spring.

Azaleas are also known for their longevity. With good care, bushes can live for decades, and some specimens in botanical gardens across Europe have been cultivated for over half a century.

Interestingly, many indoor azaleas have been specifically bred for winter blooming. As a result, they have become a symbol of early spring and the renewal of nature in northern countries.

Draw an Azalea The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, in collaboration with the Ota Dabā society, invites children and adults to participate in a creative activity focused on drawing azaleas. The event will take place on March 15 at 11:00.

During the session, artist and educator Justine Luce and botanist, Doctor of Biological Sciences Iluta Daune will introduce the characteristics of azaleas and assist participants in depicting them using pastel techniques.

After the session, each participant will be able to take home their own hand-drawn artwork. Both beginners and experienced artists are welcome to join - all necessary materials will be provided on-site.

To participate, prior registration is required by filling out a registration form. The participation fee is 10 euros for children and 15 euros for adults.

The House of Azaleas at the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia is open to visitors daily from 10:00 to 18:00. In the coming weeks, the collection will be at its peak bloom, so hurry up.