The Botanical Garden of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University is a green island in the city with over 3,500 plant species and varieties. It has a rose garden, Japanese maples in a rock garden, a scented garden and a tropical glasshouse, and in late April magnolias, redbuds and the Red Book fern-leaf peony bloom. Here is what to see, when to go, what admission costs, how to get there and the rules for photo shoots.
The garden was founded in 1930 by Professor Oleksandr Reinhard, head of the plant physiology department, and in 1933 became an official research unit of the university. In 1963 a government decree made it a protected area of national importance; it belongs to the BGCI international network of botanical gardens.
It covers 27.5 hectares: about 10.5 ha are open to visitors and the remaining 17 ha are a restricted research zone. The address is 72 Nauky Ave, but visitors enter through the administration building at 1A Bronetankova St. Other gardens in Ukraine are covered in botanical gardens of Ukraine.
What to see: collections and displays
The collection holds over 3,500 species, cultivars and forms. Several research laboratories maintain it, each with its own display:
Arboretum — over 11,000 trees and shrubs; in autumn the highlight is Japanese maples and ornamental shrubs.
Native flora — local and introduced medicinal, ornamental and energy plants, many on Red Lists.
Floriculture — perennials, annuals and bulbs: the rose garden, scented garden, rock garden and rockery.
Tropics and subtropics — a display glasshouse with plants from Africa, South Asia and Australia, plus tropical greenhouses.
Fruit department — variety trials of currants, gooseberries, raspberries and strawberries.
Many plants have QR codes — scan one to see the name, origin and description. There are also historic monuments and art objects on site.
72 Nauky Avenue, entrance at 1A Bronetankova Street.
How much is admission?
At the time of writing (2026), 75 UAH for adults and 45 UAH for children aged 7–14.
When is the best time to go?
Late April for magnolias and redbuds, or summer for the roses.
Are photo shoots allowed?
Yes; professional shoots are paid and must be booked.
Can I buy saplings at the Dnipro botanical garden?
Yes, the garden sells plants from its nurseries; stock is seasonal, so call +380 95 382 21 30 first.
Is the garden open at weekends?
Usually not for walk-ins: weekdays 9:00–15:00, sometimes working Saturdays.
How long do I need?
About 1.5–2 hours for the open area; longer with the glasshouse and a tour.
What is there to see in autumn?
Japanese maples in the rock garden, autumn colour in the arboretum and the tropical glasshouse.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas
