Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

Specialties

Picture yourself surrounded by botanical splendor from around the globe! Explore 22 acres of lush woodland gardens, home to the world’s largest collection of species rhododendrons in a public garden.

From the Fern Stumpery, to the tropical Rutherford Conservatory, stunning Blue Poppy Meadow, Big Leaf Rhododendron Forest and on to the expansive overview from the charming gazebo, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Bring your own picnic to enjoy on the Terrace. Listen to the birds serenade while enjoying nature all around.

Our Visitor Center Shop and RSBG Nursery are open year-​round. The Nursery is stocked with the unique, rare and also the much-​loved species rhododendrons, as well as hybrids and companion plants.

Group tours available with advanced booking. Self-​guided tours are always available.

History

Established in 1964.

Dr. Milton Walker visited England in 1964 to explore importation of rhododendron species cuttings from collections in major gardens. The cuttings were sent to the University of British Columbia for propagation, then sent to Oregon to become a permanent part of the RSF collection.

In 1974 the Weyerhaeuser Company generously leased a permanent site of 24 acres for the collection at its corporate headquarters. The Garden and Foundation are a private, non-​profit 501c3 organization.

1980 marked the opening of the Garden to the public. The RSBG has become home to one of the largest species rhododendrons and azaleas collections in the world. The Rutherford Conservatory opened in 2010, housing vireya rhododendrons from the tropics. Companion plants set off the amazing diversity of rhododendrons in planting areas such as the Fern Stumpery, Alpine and Pond Gardens and the breathtaking Blue Poppy Meadow (Meconopsis). Opening spring 2016 — Blue Poppy Glade along our accessible route.

Meet the Manager

Steve H.

Manager

Steve Hootman is the Executive Director & Curator of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington. He has participated in or led over one dozen expeditions into the remote regions of Asia looking for rare and new taxa of rhododendrons and other plants and is considered one of the world authorities on the genus. He is also an active collector, authority and promoter of related genera in the Ericaceae including Vaccinium, Agapetes and Gaultheria.