Rhododendron Garden

In 1951, 45 years after the Hendricks Family donated land to help form Hendricks Park, the Eugene Men’s Camellia and Rhododendron Club obtained approval from City Council to begin construction of an extensive rhododendron garden within the park. These plant enthusiasts were North American pioneers in the culture and collection of rhododendrons. They donated many outstanding species and hybrids from their own collections to begin the garden, which has continued to blossom over the years due to the generosity of local families, rhododendron society members, neighbors, and friends.

Today, thousands of rhododendrons and other ornamental plants are set in a woodland garden under a canopy of mature Oregon white oaks and Douglas firs. Each year the long bloom season begins early in February, heralded by the witch hazels and small bulbs and followed by the blooming of giant pastel magnolia blossoms. The peak rhododendron flowering time is April and May. Some rhododendrons, such as the smoky purple Rhododendron ririei, bloom in February, and others, such as the fragrant white Rhododendron auriculatum, bloom well into June. In summer, visitors enjoy the dappled shade of oak trees and many other lovely and unusual trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial flowers. Fall is also spectacular with all the shades of red, gold, yellow, and orange in full display.

Hendricks Park is open daily between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. The garden’s many compacted gravel pathways are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs but may prove too steep in some areas of the terraced hillside. Because of the garden’s fragile environment and the desire to maintain a tranquil setting for all to enjoy, group activities, sports, games, and pets are excluded. Pets are welcome on a leash in the picnic area and the forest. Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible. The F.M. Wilkins shelter and the adjoining Moon Terrace may be reserved for group use from April through October. For reservations, please call (541) 682-4800.

For information on volunteer opportunities or upcoming events such as tours and workshops, please visit the Park’s website at www.eugeneor.gov/parks or the Friends of Hendricks Park website at www.friendsofhendrickspark.org. Notices are also placed in the picnic area information kiosk.