Ceremonial award: new rhododendron 'Graf Björn' on the 50th birthday!

Ceremonial award: new rhododendron 'Graf Björn' on the 50th birthday!

Mainau, Deutschland - On June 16, 2025, Björn Graf Bernadotte, Managing Director of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation and Managing Director of Schloss Mainau, celebrated his 50th birthday on the picturesque flower island. In high summer temperatures, the festival was celebrated with a festive matinee from the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation, which attracted numerous guests. Among the well -wishers were District Administrator Zeno Danner, Mayor Uli Burchardt and the well -known writer Gaby Hauptmann.

The Matinee was moderated by Mark Schloßarek and musically framed by Bella Kokaia. In a moving speech, Iris Selch, the chairman of the foundation, Count Björn and his commitment to the foundation and the island honored. The jubilee is particularly proud of the new breeding of a rhododendron that was baptized in his honor in the name 'Count Björn'. This new variety is characterized by bright white flowers and is a cross between rhododendron yakushimanum 'Silverlady' and 'Knuth'. In harmony with the climatic challenges, the plant is heat and cold tolerant, which makes it an attractive addition to garden lovers.

A look at the story

The roots of the Bernadotte dynasty on Mainau go back to Comte Lennart Bernadotte, who significantly shaped tourism on the island as the central figure. In 1932 he stood over his dynastic rights to marry Karin Nissvandt. The couple had four children who could be claimed, and after his divorce from Karin he married Sonja Haunz in 1972, whom he met on Mainau. Together they had five children, including Björn. Comte Lennart died in 2004, followed by Comtesse Sonja in 2008. Both left a heir that continued to this day of their descendants in the form of Mainau GmbH.

Mainau is more than just a place of relaxation; It is a botanical wonder. With a tree population, a baroque palace complex over 150 years old, the island attracts many visitors all year round. The fourth generation of the Bernadotten, under the direction of Bettina and Björn, continues the philosophy of its predecessors, which aims to secure and develop the natural beauty and relaxation for the guests.

visions and projects

In addition to the celebrations, it was also important to look into the future. Count Björn himself described his 50th birthday as a milestone, not only as a review, but also to develop new visions. An important project that was presented was the “Impact Mainau” network, which is intended to promote biodiversity on the island. Professor Oskar Stocker also explained an art project to the St. Marien Castle Church, which will enrich the cultural heritage of the island.

The end of the day was an evening celebration on the Grand Duke Friedrich Terrasse and in the palm house, in which family and friends came together to initiate the success and the future of Björn and Mainau Castle. It was a day full of joy and recognition for the meritorious work that Count Björn Bernadotte and his family do for the island and the region.