Books

G. Riekstiņa. Rododendri - padoms rokā. AS Latvijas Mediji, 2023. g., Nr. 4 (339), 64 lpp.

Care, planting, choosing a location, wintering, diseases - everything about rhododendrons.

R. Kondratovičs, G. Riekstiņa. Rododendri. Latvijas Universitātē izveidotās rododendru šķirnes (1957 – 2017). LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2019.

For sixty years, the University of Latvia has been developing new rhododendron cultivars. The initiator and leader of this work all these years has been Professor Rihards Kondratovičs. With his passion and hard work, he has been able to create a strong team of professionals and raise many students and followers. It is safe to say that without him, rhododendrons would never have become such widespread and popular ornamental plants in Latvia. The book is like a report on what has been done in sixty years, it summarizes information about all rhododendron cultivars created at the University of Latvia. Unfortunately, the professor did not live to see the book published, as he passed away in February 2017, leaving behind a wonderful legacy – the cultivars he created. Sixty years of work have culminated in 112 magnificent outdoor rhododendrons and 26 greenhouse azaleas.

G. Riekstiņa. Krāšņākie rododendri. Lauku Avīzes Tematiskā Avīze, 2018. g., Nr. 8 (283), 64 lpp.

This publication contains a lot of interesting information and useful advice for both experienced and novice gardeners. It includes information on how to plant, care for, and propagate rhododendrons; how to combat pests and diseases, as well as extensive information on rhododendron cultivars that bloom from early spring to autumn.

R. Kondratovičs, G. Riekstiņa, U. Kondratovičs. Rododendri manā dārzā. Lauku Avīzes Tematiskā Avīze, 2012. g., Nr. 5, 64 lpp.

The publication provides information about the great diversity of rhododendrons, the history of their cultivation in the world and in Latvia. Information is provided on more than a hundred species and cultivars of evergreen and deciduous rhododendrons suitable for Latvian conditions. The agricultural techniques of rhododendron cultivation, the control of possible pests and diseases, methods of propagation and their use in landscaping - both in public and individual plantings - are described in detail.

R. Kondratovičs, G. Riekstiņa, U. Kondratovičs. Rododendri. LU Rododendru selekcijas un izmēģinājumu audzētavai "Babīte"-30. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010.

The book was written on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Rhododendron Breeding and Testing Nursery "Babīte" of the University of Latvia. The reader will find in the book the answer to the question of why it was necessary to establish a specialized rhododendron nursery in Latvia. The authors of the book show step by step how, over the course of 30 years, an ordinary pine forest has been transformed into a beautiful rhododendron park, where every visitor can get acquainted with a magnificent open-air collection of rhododendrons. Those interested in new cultivars will find descriptions of 15 cultivars in the book that were created at the University of Latvia after 2005. The book also includes a chapter on the agricultural techniques of rhododendron cultivation and their use in landscaping.

R. Kondratovičs. Rododendri un to selekcija Latvijā. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2005.

The book is dedicated to the breeding of open-air rhododendrons and its practical results in Latvia. At the beginning of the book, a general description of the rhododendron genus is given, their distribution on the globe is noted, as well as the ecological conditions in which rhododendrons grow in the wild. The three and a half century history of the cultivation of wild rhododendron species in Europe is examined. A significant place is devoted to the history of the cultivation of rhododendrons in Latvia. By characterizing the climate and soil of Latvia, the grounds for the successful cultivation of rhododendrons in Latvia are given. The course of the introduction and breeding of rhododendrons and the creation of the most significant collections in Latvia are described. The book contains descriptions and color photographs of 49 rhododendron cultivars created at the University of Latvia.

R. Kondratovičs, U. Kondratovičs. Rododendru avīze. Lauku Avīzes tematiskā avīze, 8(74), 2002.

In this thematic newspaper published by the publishing house "Lauku Avīze", the reader can read in a concentrated manner the main and most important information about rhododendrons, their cultivation, propagation, care, use, get acquainted with the species and cultivars most suitable for Latvian conditions, as well as with disease and pest control.