Rhododendrons!
We are now in the height of the magnificent Rhododendron season on the California Mendocino Coast, which lasts from early April through May. Virtually every garden in the Mendocino Village has at least one or two examples. Just stroll from your room or cottage and start looking! At the Alegria properties, there are at least fourteen Rhododendron plants. In Mendocino, Rhododendrons can bloom from January through May, but the height of the season begins now!
Rhododendron Species Information:
Rhododendrons and azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron of the Ericaceae family. The Ericaceae family includes heathers, heaths, cranberries, blueberries, mountain laurels, and other ornamental plants. The genus Rhododendron has about a thousand different species. Azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas! Rhododendrons are native to North America, Europe, Russia, and Asia as far north as Greenland and as far south as Australia. The greatest diversity of species is found in the Himalayas and Malaysia. Rhododendrons are absolute magnets to garden enthusiasts! For more information about rhododendrons, visit the website of the American Rhododendron Society.
Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden just a few miles north of Mendocino and the Algeria Inn
For a real treat and to see over 1000 rhododendrons, make a visit to the Gardens. There are three Rhododendron Zones: Tender and Big Leaf Species, the Fort Bragg Collection with plants bred by locals or associated with the Mendocino Coast, and the Rhododendron Cultivar Collection with towering plants arching over the garden path toward the Event Lawn. And of course, the rest of the gardens are fantastic too!
Stay three nights or more at an Algeria Property and receive two free tickets to the Gardens. Botanical Garden Ticket Special
Attend the 41st Annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show May 5 and 6
Each year, the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) partners with Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to showcase some of the best rhodie specimens on the west coast. The 41st Annual Rhododendron Show will be held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. The juried show is the largest in California with a typically displaying more than 800 entries and filling the big tent with cascades of color and fragrance.
Take a guided Rhododendron Walk at the Botanical Gardens
Rhododendron Walks are held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens each Saturday from March 17 through April 28. More than 1,000 rhododendrons can be seen blooming throughout the Gardens during peak bloom in March, April, and May. These walks are free with Gardens admission.
The weekly walk and talk will be lead by local experts. Bring your rhodie questions!
Join us for beautiful spring weather and many, many rhododendrons. Check our Specials Page for Springtime deals!
Eric and Elaine