The Rhododendron Breeding and Testing Nursery "Babīte", part of the University of Latvia, begins 2025 with the registration of seven new rhododendron varieties in the International Rhododendron Register - three evergreen and four deciduous varieties.
Three of the deciduous varieties - "Ārija", "Dārza elpa", and "Lapsaste" - were developed from hybrids left by Professor Rihards Kondratovičs, who dedicated 60 years to studying the rhododendron genus. During his lifetime, he created over 1,000 rhododendron hybrids, which have resulted in 137 open-air rhododendron varieties and 26 greenhouse azalea varieties.
"Ārija" features fragrant, light pink, double flowers in spherical clusters and a vigorous shrub reaching 2.8 m in height.
"Dārza elpa" is a profusely blooming variety with fragrant pink flowers marked with distinctive orange blotches on the upper petals. Its name honors a gardening enthusiasts' association.
Šķirnes "Lapsaste" draws inspiration from its orange-pink flowers, reminiscent of a fox's tail. This variety exhibits excellent winter hardiness, making it suitable for planting across Latvia.
The three evergreen and one deciduous varieties were bred by Gunita Riekstiņa, who has been working with rhododendron breeding since 2000.
Šķirnes "Ābeļzieds" is an evergreen variety with softly pink flowers that bloom in late May to early June. Its name, suggested by Dr.biol. Edīte Kaufmane of Latvia's leading horticulture and fruit-growing research center, pays tribute to the institution’s exceptional plant breeders. Mature shrubs reach a height of 2 m.
"Zigis" is an evergreen rhododendron with light violet flowers characterized by a prominent dark blotch on the upper petals.
"Lettonia’s Roberts Rūsis" honors benefactor Roberts Rūsis (1933-2023), a long-time supporter of students through scholarships and a member of the alumni association of the student fraternity "Lettonia." This variety features dark green evergreen leaves and bright purple-red flowers with yellow-green blotches on the upper petals.
The deciduous variety "Mežtaka" blooms in late May to early June with bright yellow, mildly fragrant double flowers in spherical clusters. Its name draws inspiration from the popular hiking route "Mežtaka", part of the European long-distance trail network traversing the forests of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
