How do you grow Vireya Rhododendrons?

Things to remember

Ensure good drainage.
Do not plant deeply.
Do not over pot.
Mulch well.
Do not mulch with lawn clippings or sawdust.
Do not plant of place plants in full sun.
Do not dig close to planted out Vireyas.
Do not fertilise dry plants.

How tall do Vireyas grow?

Size: smaller varieties grow to 45cm and are suited to pots, while shrubby vireyas can get as tall as 180cm.

How do you prune a vireya rhododendron?

Prune to just above a healthy whorl of leaves at the desired height. If extensive pruning is required, you may want to do it over a longer period of time rather than all at once, to allow the plant to recover. After flowering, remove spent flowers and seed pods.

Is vireya an evergreen?

Both are easy-care evergreens, ideal for patio pots, garden beds and conservatories. Use anywhere for a stunning burst of colour. Several different varieties planted in a clump will almost certainly produce all year round flowers. In gardens and rockeries — remember they do best in a freely drained soil.

What should I feed my vireya?

They love being planted in a slightly more acid soil, so avoid Lime, plant with a good mix of compost and fine bark. Feed with a slow release fertiliser (8-9 month) in early spring which will keep them happy through the spring and summer growing season.

How do you propagate a tropical rhododendron?

Tropical vireya rhododendrons are dead easy to strike from cuttings, as are azaleas and camellias. Just cut off pieces of hardened new growth that are about 10-15cm long (that’s 4-6” in the old money). Remove the lower leaves, just retaining 2 leaves at the top. Dip the base of the cuttings in Manuka honey.

Do rhododendrons grow well in Auckland?

The hardy, cool-climate Rhododendrons are very hardy throughout New Zealand with the majority preferring the cooler conditions of the south. But many of the cool climate varieties will thrive in Auckland provided they receive the proper conditions.

Can you strike rhododendrons?

What is the best place to plant a rhododendron?

Choose a site with dappled shade in sheltered conditions. Avoid deep shade beneath other trees. Most rhododendrons will tolerate a more open site if sheltered from cold, drying winds. Dwarf alpine species will tolerate full sun provided the soil does not dry out.

When should rhododendrons be pruned?

Normally the best time to prune rhodos is just after flowering, but if hard, renovation type pruning is required it is better to do it in early to mid spring, just before new growth starts. After pruning fertilize, apply a loose layer of bark or leaf mulch and water well.

Can a Vireya rhododendron be grown in a garden?

Vireya Rhododendron Stenophyllum. Grown as garden plants for many years, Vireya Rhododendrons are increasingly popular and are an easy care garden plant. Most are small in size and many varieties are suited to cooler climates. They can be grown in the garden, in containers and some are suited to hanging baskets.

Can a Vireya be grown in a shadehouse?

Vireyas are a subgenus of rhododendron, they are tropical shrubs originating from SE Asia to Australia. Many hybrids have been produced, some are very fragrant, and most are ideal for container growing on a balcony, on (or under) a tree, or in a shadehouse. In my experience, treating Vireyas as you would an epiphytic orchid really helps.

What kind of colors does a Vireya have?

Vireyas bring qualities found nowhere else in the genus Rhododendron. Golden yellows and vibrant oranges lead an array of brilliant colors — pure pinks and fire engine reds to pure whites.

Can a Vireya plant be grown in a pot?

Despite the many difficulties, vireyas are finding their way into commerce and they now seem destined to stay there. Plants suitable for growing indoors in pots, and others for use outdoors where the climate is mild, are available. A fine garden shrub, offspring of Rhododendron christianae and R. macgregorae.