A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Day 55: The Rhododendrons
The Most Colorful Week of the Year

The week surrounding Mother's Day tends to be the most colorful week of the year at The Grotto. While a few of our rhododendrons began blooming in late March, the majority peak at this time.
The Earliest Rhododendrons

The Grotto was founded by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer in 1924. Fr. Ambrose was born in Kitchener, Ontario, and was friends with Robert Butchart of the celebrated Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C.

Mr. Butchart spent two years assisting in the design of the sanctuary, and brought many plants, including rhododendrons, from his own gardens.
The Rhododendron

Rhododendron, Ancient Greek for Rose Tree, is a genus of over 1,000 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). While most are found in Asia, they are widespread throughout the lowland and mountain forests of the Pacific Northwest, California and the highlands of the Appalachian Mountains.

The rhododendron is the state flower of Washington and West Virginia.
Most species have brightly colored flowers which bloom anywhere from late winter through the spring.

Azaleas are a subgenera of the rhododendron. They are distinguished from a true rhododendron by having only five anthers per flower. An anther is the part of a stamen that contains the pollen.
A Spring Prayer

Father, the beauty of your creative power has burst forth in the colors and smells of Spring, bringing joy to all.

May we expand this beauty in the way we lovingly care for each other.

Amen.
A Lovely Spot to Sit

We so look forward to the day we can reopen our gates and you may all enjoy sitting among God's glorious creation.
A Tour of the Rhodies

Until that wonderful day when we can reopen, we hope you will enjoy this virtual tour of The Grotto's popular rhododendrons, including this giant one below in the Christus Garden.
A Palette of Color

The variety of colors found in the blooms is a feast for the eyes. These photos were all taken in The Grotto's beautiful gardens.
We hope to see you soon

While we are unsure if the rhododendrons will still be blooming when we reopen, there are many other flowers and shrubs which grace our gardens, and some of them are just beginning to come to life. We hope it won't be long before we will all be strolling through the gardens.
The Grotto Gift Shop

The Grotto Gift Shop is open for curbside pick-up or online shipping during our closure.

If you do not see what you are looking for, feel free to contact our director of retail operations by clicking here.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371