The largest Rhododendron collection in the Baltics is blooming at the University of Latvia Botanical Garden

Rhododendrons in Every Colour

At present, deciduous rhododendron species from three continents are coming into increasingly spectacular bloom, colouring the garden in all shades of the rainbow. From North America comes the saw-toothed rhododendron with fragrant pink blossoms, while the European yellow rhododendron stands out not only for its sunny yellow flowers but also for its strong fragrance. Meanwhile, Asian species are also in bloom, including the soft rhododendron with delicate pale yellow flowers and the Japanese rhododendron, which fills the garden with vivid salmon-pink and orange tones.

Some evergreen rhododendron species representing different continents (Carolina, Smirnov, and Yakushiman rhododendrons) are also in full bloom, enriching the colour palette with cooler shades of purple and bluish violet alongside white and pink. In addition, deciduous cultivars bred by Professor Rihards Kondratovičs have already begun to flower – the red ‘Rubīns’ and ‘Babītes Līva’, the yellow ‘Austra’ and ‘Saule’, and orange-red varieties such as ‘Liesma’, ‘Skaidrīte’, and ‘Lidija’. ‘Babītes Indra’, ‘Uguns’, ‘Ausma’, and many others are also coming into bloom.

Peak flowering of the rhododendrons is expected within the next two weeks, when lilacs, apple trees, and other collection plants will also be blooming alongside them in the garden.

“Without rhododendrons, the University of Latvia Botanical Garden would be unimaginable. This year, we invite visitors to experience the full richness of the garden’s collection by taking part in an activity that encourages them to visit both of our locations – Riga and Babīte. Currently, the rhododendron collection includes nearly 50,000 plants, whose peak bloom we eagerly anticipate each year, although it lasts only for a few weeks,” says the Director of the UL Botanical Garden, Renāte Lagzdiņa.

One Garden – Two Locations

The largest and historically most significant part of the UL BG rhododendron collection is located in the central area of the garden, where the oldest plantings grow in its very heart. Meanwhile, on the Vīlipa and Dzirciema Street side, hybrids created during Professor Kondratovičs’s active breeding work can be found, along with cultivars developed by other Latvian breeders.

The collection’s second location – the UL Rhododendron Nursery “Babīte” – is situated just about a 20-minute drive from the garden in Riga. It is the only specialised rhododendron nursery in the Baltic States, established in 1980 by Professor Kondratovičs as the collection rapidly expanded.

Guided Tours and the Rhododendron Traveller’s Passport

The Rhododendron Traveller’s Passport is available free of charge at the ticket offices of the UL Botanical Garden in Riga and the UL Rhododendron Nursery “Babīte”. By visiting both locations and collecting stamps from each, the completed passport must be submitted at the ticket desk. All participants who complete the passport will be entered into a prize draw, with rewards including tickets to upcoming garden events and other gifts. The activity is valid until 15 June 2026.