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The American Rhododendron Society is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage interest in and to disseminate information about the genus Rhododendron.  Members' experience ranges from novice to expert.  Society activities include public education, flower shows, seed exchanges, scientific studies, and communication through publications and local and national meetings.  ARS chapters are located throughout the United States and Canada and in Denmark, Holland, Scotland, Sweden and Sikkim.

Welcome from Ted Stecki - ARS President:
On behalf of the many thousands of rhododendron enthusiasts world wide "welcome to our web site."  Here you will find valuable resources which enable you to learn more about the selection and care of rhododendrons.  We hope this will encourage you to "grow" and appreciate the genus Rhododendron (which includes azaleas), and you will include these wonderful plants in your garden/landscape.   Rhododendrons can be grown almost anywhere in the world, from the tropics to the Himalayas (home to a large population of the species which are parents to many cultivated hybrids seen in gardens around the world).

Among Society members, you will find many who share common interests whether you are a professional grower, amateur or sophisticated gardener.  I encourage you to find a chapter in your area (listings occur on the Chapters section in the web site menu) and visit them for an opportunity to join the Society.  - "Come see what we have to offer" - We would welcome you as a member!

2008 Gold and Silver Medal Awards - New
The Society takes great pleasure in presenting its highest awards to the following individuals:
Gold Medal: Jens Christian Birck and Mike Stewart
Silver Medal: Jean & Norman Beaudry and Harry R Wright.   Read more.

Rhododendron & Azalea News - New
Read the Winter '08 edition of our quarterly newsletter featuring articles, news, and information gathered from ARS Chapters and Society members.  Sections on Plant Tips, People and Events, Gardens, and Ideas for Chapters provide interesting and useful information for rhododendron enthusiasts around the world.

ARS Journal
Join the ARS and receive the quarterly ARS Journal.  Articles cover culture, propagation, hybridizing, gardens, companion plants, exploration, scientific research and Society events and news.  Table of contents from the current issue of the ARS quarterly Journal.

Quarterly Bulletin Electronic Archive - New
Early issues of the ARS Quarterly Bulletin have been published on-line at Virginia Tech's Digital Library and Archive. Visit the Archive

megaphone ROY Plants Selected for 2009 - New
The ARS proudly announces its   Rhododendron of the Year (ROY) awards for 2009.  Chosen for excellent foliage, flower and habit, these beautiful rhododendron varieties make wonderful additions in your garden. Read more.

Fall Regional Conferences
Save the dates for the exciting and educational Fall meetings of the ARS.  The Western Regional is set for Sep 18-20, 2009 in Federal Way, WA.  Titled "Collecting Rhododendrons Around the World" the event is hosted by the District 3 Chapters. The Eastern Regional Conference "Rhododendrons in Penn's Woods" is scheduled for Oct 22 -25, 2009 and is sponsored by the Chapters of District 8.

The Conferences feature informative and inspiring speakers, plant sales, and provide an opportunity to connect with old and new friends.  Non-members are welcomed at both events.

Need help growing Rhododendrons?
Learn how to select, plant, prune, feed, transplant and propagate rhododendrons and azaleas in the ARS' comprehensive care guide.  Also check out the helpful "how-to" information in articles previously published in the ARS Journal.

Seed Exchange Closeout Sale - New
Members and non-members may order available seed in the closeout sale, open now until Sept 20, 2009.  See ordering instructions for further information.  View the searchable seed catalog.  Order seed on-line.

Search the ARS Rhododendron Databases
The species and hybrid database provides descriptions for over 1400 rhododendrons. Find plants by name, flower color, height in 10 years, hardiness, bloom time, etc.  Also search the azalea database listing 300 varieties.

Rhododendron Photo Gallery
View over 1000 photo images of rhododendron hybrids and species.  The Society is pleased to make available a searchable database of digital photo images for rhododendron lovers.  Read how to access the images.

Proven Performer Lists
Identify plants that perform well in your neighborhood as selected by members in ARS chapters near where you live.

Rhododendron Nursery Finder
Locate nurseries near where you live.  Find helpful information from ARS Commercial member growers.

Vireya Information
Looking for vireya information?  A link to Chris Callard's comprehensive vireya web site can be found in the drop down menu at page top under "Plant Data".

On-line Plant Name Registration
North Americans desiring to name rhododendrons or azaleas may now easily do so on-line.

Web Site Feedback
Please send your comments and suggestions to: weissman@arsoffice.org


American Rhododendron Society
Executive Director: P.O. Box 525, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Ph: 416-424-1942   Fax: 905-262-1999   E-Mail: lauragrant@arsoffice.org
©1998-2009, ARS, All rights reserved.