Primary information on the formation principles, composition, and the condition of a new rhododendron collection, which is being created in Lithuania, is presented in this article. Accumulation of Rhododendron L. genus plants for the collection was started in 2002 at the Šiauliai University Botanical Garden. As part of the research, the collection was evaluated according to five main criteria: (1) general condition; (2) resistance to low temperatures; (3) flowering intensity; (4) phytopathological condition; and (5) suitability for cultivation in green plantations. Currently in the Šiauliai University Botanical Garden, plants of 74 rhododendron species, 8 subspecies, 9 varieties, and 94 cultivars are being grown.
Keywords: Rhododendron, introduction, collection, ornamental plants Lithuania.