Rhododendron and Camellia Group of the Royal Horticultural Society Year Books 1973–1981/82

Back in the Royal Horticultural Society fold from 1973 onwards and with editors from both the RHS and the Group, it becomes apparent in this next set of year books that the Rhododendron and Camellia Group was beginning to develop its own identity. By the end of this run, there are regional branches being spoken of and the Bulletin had begun its long history as a sister publication.

Evidently these editions were published on a tight budget, with colour work only on the covers until the end when the first ‘colour set’ appears. It’s also clear these publications were suffering from production delays and the long stretch of books spanning two years in their titles commences here with an explanation in the foreword of the 1979-80 edition. Even with a change of printer this was to continue until 1990.

These editions from 1973–1981/82 are presented to you for download; they represent a marvellous resource for the researcher and enthusiast alike. With magnolias fully established in the content, we see the first balanced rhododendron, camellia and magnolia publications and begin to explore and explain the controversial ‘Revision of Rhododendron’ taking place at the RBG Edinburgh. See here

Until now these works have only been accessible to the lucky few; the various permissions that the Group has received make these online publications freely available to all as searchable pdfs. It is of course possible to make a donation to the Group to support the continuation of its work in bringing publications such as these to widen knowledge of rhododendrons, camellia and magnolias and their history.

These books are available subject to the Group's Takedown Policy.