With approximately 1,000 species and over 30,000 (some sources mention even 40,000-50,000) varieties, the genus Rhododendron offers an almost unlimited range of shapes and colours. Since the 19th century, rhododendrons have also been an integral part of many gardens and parks in Germany.

The German Gene Bank for Rhododendrons is a national network of more than 40 public and private Rhododendron collections. These include tree nurseries, botanical gardens, parks and private gardens. The partners maintain their collections with great commitment and expertise. The objective of the gene bank is to connect the individual collections and to make them visible to the public. In this way, the loss of historical varieties and species is prevented and through the addition of modern varieties, the genus Rhododendron will to be preserved in all its diversity and beauty.

The BSA has been coordinating the German Gene Bank for Rhododendrons since 1 July 2014. The origin of the gene bank is the model and demonstration project "Decentralised Rhododendron Gene Bank Network", which was carried out by the Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony and funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity from September 2007 to June 2014. The final report of the project can be found on the project organiser's website at the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) under the funding code 2807BM023 (BLE - Project funding - Project search).

In 2017 and 2018, the second survey and verification of Rhododendron and Indian Azalea varieties of the German Gene Bank for Rhododendrons took place. The final report is also available at the above-mentioned link of the project organiser BLE by entering the funding reference 2816BE003.

A new, revised version of the database has been online since 2022. The descriptions and photos of more than 350 botanical species and more than 4,000 varieties in the gene bank can be viewed here.

If you are interested in plant material or a partnership, or if you have any questions about the gene bank, please contact the coordination centre: