News published: 28 August 2025

Colourful floral displays make Rhododendron one of the world’s most popular garden plants. Their diverse habits, leaf types and climate tolerances make them popular elements in botanic garden collections. Many collections have previously focused on displays of plants with exceptional landscape and ornamental value, but climate change and other anthropogenic impacts present increasing challenges, both in collections and native populations.

Today, botanic gardens contribute to conservation programmes by curating ex situ collections, with research into cultivation and climate tolerance, and by engaging members of the public. The diversity and charisma of rhododendrons combined with their visibility in gardens make them excellent choices for fostering community engagement, bringing horticulturists and other professions together to solve conservation challenges. Projects implementing creative solutions for the persistence and continued enjoyment of rhododendrons can be found in gardens around the world. Toward this end, the Rhododendron Research Network will guest edit a special issue of Sibbaldia, the International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture.

The Rhododendron Research Network (R-RN) is a collaborative group of scientists, conservationists and community members seeking to advance the genus as a model study system in biodiversity science. Led by botanic garden staff, academic researchers, and members of the American Rhododendron Society, the R-RN plans conventions, projects and publications to support early career investigators, encourage scientific interest and  inspire community engagement in Rhododendron conservation and cultivation.

Sibbaldia is published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and is a diamond open-access publication. No. 26 will highlight programmes and opportunities in living collections that feature collaborations between members of the community that curates, cultivates and carries out research on the genus Rhododendron. Submissions on the curation, cultivation, research and public engagement with living collections of the genus will be welcomed for consideration.

Deadline for receipt of submissions: 10 January 2026

Email for enquiries.