46th annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show

May 3 and May 4, 2025

Each year, the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) partners with Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to showcase some of the best rhodie specimens on the west coast. The 46th annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show will be held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. The juried show is quite possibly the largest in California with a typical show displaying more than 800 entries and filling the big tent with cascades of color and fragrance.

The Rhododendron Show is free to attend and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to hundreds of individual flower entries, there will be plants, bonsai, photos, floral arrangements, hourly plant raffles, and educational displays. A large selection of rhododendrons and other plants will be available for purchase in the big tent and at the Gardens' Nursery. Local growers and Noyo Chapter ARS members will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the best plants for your garden.

Regular admission rates apply to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens during the show. The Gardens is home to one of the nation’s largest collections of rhododendrons—many hybridized on the Mendocino Coast—and they promise to fill the formal gardens and woodlands with riotous color. The Gardens’ Rhododendron Collection includes over 124 species and 315 taxa. More than 1,000 rhododendrons can be seen blooming throughout the Gardens from early spring until June!

ENTER THE SHOW!
Everyone is welcome to enter their best rhododendrons and azaleas for judging. Bring your best trusses to the big tent to the south end of the Gardens’ main parking lot on Thursday, May 1  between 3PM – 7PM and Friday, May 2, between 9AM – 12PM. Ribbons and trophies will be awarded to top entries in a wide range of categories. Check www.noyochapterars.org for more information on entering.

2024 SHOW TROPHY RESULTS

A. Best of Show - El Camino Spray - Dennis & Valerie McKiver
B. Best Noyo Chief - Philip & Lucy Johnson
C. Best White - Helene Schiffner Spray - Dennis & Valerie McKiver
D. Best Pink - Grand Slam - Dennis & Valerie McKiver
E. Best Lavender - R. catawbiense ‘Boursault’ - Dennis & Valerie McKiver
F. Best Red - Leo - Mary Gill & Tim Gage
G. Best R. yakushimanum Hybrid - Dennis & Valerie McKiver
H. Best New Seedling - Philip & Lucy Johnson
I. Best Evergreen Azalea Spray - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
J. Best Foliage - Bronze Wing Plant K. Best Deciduous Azalea Spray - Philip & Lucy Johnson
L. Best Deciduous Azalea Truss - Philip & Lucy Johnson
M. Best R. occidentale - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
N. Best Small Species - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
O. Best Large Hybrid Spray - El Camino - Dennis & Valerie McKiver
P. Noyo Chapter Youth Trophy - Karson Jones
Q. People’s Choice - Mauna Loa Spray - Wendy Ponts
R. Sweepstakes - Dennis & Valerie McKiver 

ABOUT THE NOYO ARS

The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is a local non-profit organization. For over 45 years their stated mission has been to promote the study and culture of rhododendrons and to stimulate interest in rhododendrons by any appropriate means, including the holding of frequent meetings of members and education of the public with Rhododendron shows. Our locale is also of utmost importance in preserving the rhododendron species. Although these plants grow in few places worldwide, they thrive in the favorable climate of the Mendocino Coast. The area spanning Eureka to Fort Bragg is the largest production center of hybrid rhododendrons in California. 

Learn more and become a member: www.noyochapterars.org