Saturday Morning

“Elucidating the tropical diversification of rhododendrons and the genetic basis for changes in floral shape using genomic data”

Vireya rhododendrons are unusual from the majority of temperate rhododendrons for their tropical distribution and wide range of floral morphology. Vireyas are a group of about 320 species that occur primarily in Southeast Asian islands with diverse floral shapes suitable for birds, bees, butterflies, and/or moths. Their present-day distribution, combined with sampling throughout their genomes, has allowed us to infer ancestral ranges and estimate the direction and timing of dispersal across these islands. In addition, we observe changes in floral shape and stamen arrangement in vireyas as they moved east, which are most likely due to changes in flower symmetry genes. This has prompted us to examine flower symmetry genes from across rhododendrons to look for evidence of gene duplication associated with flower symmetry changes.

 
After Valerie Soza completed her undergraduate studies in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, she served as Botanical Field Studies Coordinator and Herbarium Curatorial Assistant at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont where she managed a variety of conservation projects focused on California plants. Valerie received her Ph.D. in Biology in 2010 and completed her postdoctoral research in 2014 at the University of Washington, examining the evolutionary history and development of flowers and sexual systems in a variety of plant groups. She is currently a Research Scientist in Ben Hall’s Lab at UW and is using genomic data to understand rhododendron evolution.

Saturday afternoon Field Laboratory Horticulture Classes at the RSBG:

Featuring RSBG Staff

“Big-leaf Rhododendrons” with Steve Hootman, Executive Director and Curator

Steve will lead a tour of the big-leaf collection to examine and compare all of the species in cultivation including several so new that they have yet to be named! He will discuss specific identification traits  and the best cultivation methods for each species; a detailed handout will be provided.

“Secrets of species propagation” with Dennis Bottemiller, Nursery Manager and Propagator

Dennis will lead a detailed discussion with demonstrations of the best and latest techniques in Rhododendron species propagation. A full and in-depth tour of the entire nursery facility is included.

“Successful cultivation of rhododendrons – the RSBG way” with Atsuko Gibson, Assistant Curator and Ben Meersman, Gardener

Join RSBG’s expert horticulturists Atsuko and Ben in the garden to learn the best techniques for the successful cultivation of Rhododendron species as well as Himalayan Blue Poppies and Cardiocrinum (Giant Lilies). Watering, soil prep and pest and disease issues will be highlighted.

There will be a banquet and lecture on Saturday evening.

Featured Speaker: Hartwig Schepker, Scientific Director of the Botanic Garden and Rhododendron-Park Bremen

“The “other Rhododendron species” – the rhododendrons of Kamchatka, the Russian Altai and beyond”

Join Dr. Hartwig Schepker as he discusses and shows images of the “other” rhododendrons of the world. Hartwig will be informing us about those Eurasian species which are often overlooked in favor of their Himalayan and Chinese relatives. These include the species native to the European Alps to as far away as the Russian Far East and including the ornamental species of the Caucasus Mountains and even Spain and Portugal. This will be an incredible introduction to some of the least known rhododendron-regions on the planet and you will not want to miss this exciting opportunity.

Dr. Hartwig Schepker is the Scientific Director of the Botanic Garden and Rhododendron-Park Bremen, home of one of the largest Rhododendron collections in the world, including hardy and non-hardy species and hybrids. He is also the Secretary of the German Rhododendron Society and co-editor of the society’s publication “Rhododendron und Immergrüne”. Hartwig has been on several rhododendron trips in South East Asia and North America, including four journeys to Arunachal Pradesh between 2005 and 2012. His main objectives are to promote the important ecological functions of Rhododendrons in their native habitats and to point out the long and important role of rhododendrons in the history of gardening in Germany.

You may register online to the right, or

Download the Species Symposium Registration Form and mail to

PO Box 3798
Federal Way, WA 98063

International only – please take advantage of the special registration rate of $110 US due to the exchange rate. Please register by February 10th to take advantage of the early registration rate.

Lodging & meetings will be at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Evergreen Inn & Suites, Federal Way, features complimentary amenities like free parking, free Wi-Fi, shuttle service, and complimentary deluxe hot breakfast.

Reserve your room now by calling 253-529-4000 and use the code “RSBG” to receive the group rate of just $119 per night for either a King or Queen room. The rate (single or double occupancy) is $119 per night, when booked by Friday, March 17th, 2017. After March 17th, reservation requests after that will be accepted at the hotel’s prevailing rate, based on room type and availability.

The Commons Mall is located one block from the Best Western Plus Evergreen Inn & Suites. It has over 100 stores and a movie theater. There are also many restaurants in this area