Azalea
All for decoration
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Belgian horticulture was world-famous, especially for its camellias, orchids, bromeliads, begonias and azaleas. Many of these old varieties have disappeared from modern cultivation because they no longer meet requirements or have fallen out of fashion.
Although the focus of botanical gardens is on the conservation of wild plant species, Botanic Garden Meise also preserves a number of heritage collections of old Belgian cultivated varieties. Besides their heritage value, these also form an important gene pool for future horticulture.
Examples of the rich and colourful collections are Begonia rex (20 cultivated varieties), Codiaeum (60), Ficus (30) and Pelargonium (45). More recently, pot azaleas (Rhododendron simsii - 45 cultivated varieties), the showpiece of the Ghent Floralies for many years, and Fuchsia (180) were added. You can admire these groups in the Plant Palace and in the orangery of the Green Ark. In the Rhododendron Forest you discover the colourful collection of 'Hardy Ghent Azaleas’, at their most beautiful in May. For camellias, wander to the Flower Theatre in April.
Belgian floriculture is somewhat less in the spotlight today, but still has an excellent reputation. At the car park square, a number of recent varieties from our ornamental plant cultivation sector is displayed. In the Rose Garden, you are introduced to the work of our rose breeders. A tip for high summer: our extensive collection of hydrangeas of Belgian origin.