FRIDAY, MAY 17th – MONDAY, MAY 27th

Thousands of world-famous rhododendrons in over 100 varieties offer spectacular blooms throughout Heritage. Come experience this annual phenomenon, where you’ll find fabulous photo opportunities and special daily activities:

  • 10 am-5 pm – Self-Guided Walking Tour: Discover the story of Heritage’s fascinating rhododendron legacy at your own pace
  • 11-11:30 am – 30-Minute Rhododendron Guided Tour: Guides share the story of rhododendrons at Heritage and highlight spectacular specimens during this walking tour of the Dexter Display Garden (tour meets at the Dexter Display Garden)
  • 11:30 am-3pm on select days – Garden Discovery Cart: Learn more about rhododendrons, including proper plant care tips and pruning techniques
  • 11:30 am-3 pm – Art Cart Activities: Capture the beauty of the landscape during hands-on art-making activities

All extra rhododendron-focused activities are free with museum admission or membership. No advance registration required.

This event is generously sponsored by Arbella Insurance Foundation.

Spring’s Favorite Flower

Rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. In winter some stand out with large evergreen leaves. In spring the flowers are showy; throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep green color to the garden. There are over 900 species of rhododendron and over 28,000 cultivars of rhododendron in the International Rhododendron Registry. Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased upon arrival.

To enjoy the blooms after the crowds have gone, consider joining us for our Grapes at the Garden event!

Dexter’s Rhododendrons

Dexter was a businessman by trade and took to growing and hybridizing rhododendrons on what is now Heritage Museums & Gardens at around 60 years of age. Between 1921 and 1943 Dexter produced between 5,000 and 10,000 seedlings annually and gave thousands of plantings away. Heritage currently has approximately 150 named rhododendron varieties by Charles Owen Dexter and the Dexter Estate Superintendent J.C. Cowles, who hybridized in the 1960s. To learn more about Dexter and his rhododendrons, please click the button below.

Rhododendrons populate a lot of space in this part of North America. There is a good chance you have one in your yard! The team at Heritage has got some great tips and tricks to help you help your gardens.

Generously sponsored by