Explore the New Rhododendron Collection at Ostrava Zoo
At the Ostrava Zoo, you can discover many different species and types of rhododendrons and azaleas. These flowering plants, also known as foam trees, are found along the main paths for visitors, on scenic botanical trails, and even within some animal exhibits, such as those of red pandas and various Tibetan and Chinese birds. Near the entrance to the zoo, there is a collection of ornamental trees and bonsai, featuring tiny Japanese azaleas (Rhododendron japonicum) that are nearly forty years old. The park boasts the highest number of foam trees, particularly in the Rhododendron Park, which is located next to the natural habitat named Chitwan. This gene pool includes plants from across Europe, especially cultivars from the Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture in Průhonice.
Rhododendrons are hard to miss, not just because of their abundance of large flowers, but also due to their vibrant colors. The flowers bloom on the plant for a short period, usually lasting only 10 to 18 days, and can range in color from pure white, pink, and yellow to shades of purplish-red and dark purple. The botanical term Rhododendron means rose tree when translated. This extensive group consists of species that can grow up to 25 meters tall, as well as some species known as epiphytes that thrive on other plants. So far, there are nearly 900 native species, with half of them found in western China, and around twenty species originating from North America. The earliest introductions of these plants to Europe occurred in the late 17th century, and they made their way to the region in 1844 through the University Botanical Garden in Smichov. In the Ostrava Zoo area, foam trees have been cultivated since the end of the previous century.
The organized collection started to evolve in 2002 under the leadership of Tomas Hanzelka, the head of the dendrology department, coinciding with the construction of a Chinese Garden near the zoo’s entrance. As the zoo added new botanical features in its visitor area and greenhouse sections at the back, additional taxa and hybrid cultivars were included.
This year, rhododendrons in the zoo and botanical park are beginning to bloom. Due to favorable weather conditions, visitors have had the chance to admire the bright, large flowers for a longer time than usual. This has been experienced while walking around the zoo or during guided tours through Rhododendron Park, which boasts the highest concentration of these vibrant plants.
The beauty of Japanese azaleas
Miniature Japanese azaleas (Rhododendron japonicum) that are almost forty years old can be seen within the collection of ornamental trees and bonsai, located in a small area just behind the entrance to the zoo. The term bonsai, in Japanese, means tree in a bowl, which refers to the unique technique of shaping and pruning trees that are grown in pottery containers. In Ostrava, there are around twenty different tree species, both deciduous and coniferous, exotic and indigenous. Most of these trees are approximately 40 to 50 years old, although some, like the European olive tree, are believed to be 90-100 years old. The exhibition will be enhanced this summer with Chinese ceramic water vessels. In addition to azaleas, blooming East Asian apple trees, specifically Halle’s apple (Malus halliana), known in Chinese as Chui si hai tang, can also be admired.
The largest grouping of foam trees can be found in Rhododendron Park, located near the Chitwan exhibit, where flowering usually begins a bit later due to shading from older trees. There will also be guided tours available this year.
In 2023, the Rhododendron collection became part of the National Collections, thanks to the Union of Botanical Gardens of the Czech Republic, which is focused on the certification of these collections. These collections serve as essential and valuable representations of various botanical genera, species, or hybrid cultivars in each participating botanical garden.
