Unveil the Enchantment of Rhododendrons at Průhonice Castle Park

Rhododendrons are originally found in the area that stretches from the Indian Himalayas to Japan, from where they have spread almost all over the northern hemisphere. In Europe, you can find wild varieties mainly in places like the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Eastern and Southern Carpathians, the Balkan region, and Scandinavia. Due to a recent change in classification, rhododendrons are now recognized as native to our country as well. They are listed on the Red List of Protected Plants and can be located in peat bogs in the Třeboň and Českolipsko areas, or on damp sandstone cliffs in the Elbe Sandstone region.

But why is the rhododendron called rhododendron? The name is thought to have been created by the Presl brothers, who were botanists responsible for developing Czech names for plants during the national revival. They drew inspiration from the word “pjanišnik” (meaning drunk), as the rhododendron can be toxic in a way that resembles drunkenness. Aside from rhododendrons, there are many other wonderful plants in Průhonický Park, including the stunning Alpinum. Did you know that it is among the largest and oldest alpine gardens in Europe? Spanning around 6.5 hectares, it showcases Alpine and mountain flora along with some of the rarest and unique perennials and shrubs. Here, you can even find the largest and perhaps the oldest hydrangea specimen!

To enter Průhonický Park, you can buy your tickets at the ticket office on-site, or you can opt for electronic tickets instead. These electronic tickets are valid for a duration of 6 months from the purchase date. You can conveniently buy tickets at the ticket office located in the parking area or at the main entrance near the castle.

As you sow, so shall you reap. This is particularly true when planting foamflowers.

If you love rhododendrons and wish to cultivate them in your garden, it’s essential to understand a few key principles that will help them flourish in your space. Jiří Burda, a dendrologist from the Průhonice Park and the Botanical Institute of the CAS, provides valuable insights on how to achieve this. He emphasizes three main considerations: adequate space, partial shade, acidic soil, and consistent watering. These simple rules could be the secret to a thriving garden. Rhododendrons are long-living shrubs that can endure for over a hundred years. Hence, it’s crucial to think about their future size and shape when planting. In our climate, they can grow as tall as 5 meters. Thus, it’s important to consider how the shrub will appear for future generations and to provide it with ample room.

When selecting a location, remember that these plants are typically understory shrubs that require continuous shade. Therefore, choose a spot where they will receive “dappled” sunlight and steer clear of areas that could subject them to sunburn, even with extra watering. For instance, Count Arnošt Emanuel Silva Tarouca created the Průhonice Park using existing oak and other trees that created a natural canopy, allowing the rhododendrons to thrive in their shade.

The planting hole should be approximately 60 to 80 cm in diameter and about 60 cm deep for a 20 to 30 cm pot size. Experienced gardeners, including the Earl, used to place old manure at the bottom of the hole and then covered it with acidic peat. However, it’s important to note that organic waste from your garden like leaves or grass clippings should be avoided. The hole should be filled with water so that it seeps into the surrounding soil. In the autumn, Mr. Jiří Burda recommends adding mulch made from raked leaves around the bush. This protects the soil from freezing and ensures that the rhododendron has sufficient moisture.

However, be cautious! The entire rhododendron genus is dangerously toxic. Even the pollen collected by bees can lead to honey toxicity. Therefore, be extra careful if you have small children or pets around your home.

Průhonice Park: A Brief Guide

Nestled just a few kilometers southeast of Prague, Průhonice Park is a UNESCO-listed landscape garden renowned for its picturesque vistas, rich botanical collections, and historic architecture.

Historic Rhododendrons

• Origins & Planting

  • Known locally as “penny trees,” rhododendrons hail from the mountainous regions between the Indian Himalayas and Japan.

  • In Průhonice Park, Count Arnošt Emanuel Silva-Tarouca began introducing these specimens over 120 years ago, creating one of Europe’s most celebrated rhododendron displays.

• Flower Varieties

  • Pure white

  • Soft pink through fuchsia

  • Deep blue–violet

  • Sunny yellow

The Alpinum

• Overview

  • At roughly 6.5 hectares, the Alpinum is among the largest and oldest mountain gardens in Europe.

  • It features a diverse collection of alpine and subalpine plants, arranged to mimic their natural rocky habitats.

Visiting Options & Tickets

• Where to Buy

  1. On-site Ticket Office

  2. Automated Machine (in the parking area)

  3. Online via the park’s official website (electronic tickets)

• Opening Hours & Access

  • Check the official park website for seasonal hours and any special event closures.

  • Ample parking is available, and the park is wheelchair-friendly along its main paths.

Tips for Growing Rhododendrons

1. Space: Plant with ample room for air circulation.

2. Light: Choose a location with partial shade—too much sun can scorch the leaves.

3. Soil: Maintain an acidic pH (around 4.5–6.0) with plenty of organic matter.

4. Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells—avoid waterlogging.

Whether you’re marveling at century-old rhododendron blooms, wandering through the Alpinum’s rocky terraces, or simply soaking in the serene landscape, Průhonice Park offers a botanical journey like no other. Enjoy your visit!