Vireya Rhododendrons Vireyas are evergreen shrubs which come from the tropical forests of New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philipines. The far north of Australia has one species, R. lochae.
Vireyas are epiphytes; that is, they live on other fallen logs, tree stumps or in the forks of trees rather than in the soil.
Plant them in a shallow depression and cover the roots with a good mixture of compost and bark. Do not compress the soil around the roots when planting as this will result certain death or a languishing plant. Similarly avoid planting in water-logged soil.
Needing humid moist conditions, vireyas prefer a position away from direct, hot sunlight, and planting under a canopy of trees is ideal. Water your vireya until established, but then you will find it more drought tolerant than other rhododendrons.
If your climate is a little cool to grow these covetable subtropicals outdoors, try them in a pot in a shady corner of the conservatory. Alternatively, you can enjoy them in the garden in summer and then overwinter under cover.
Grown in containers, vireyas like to be slightly pot-bound to flower well and use plenty of bark in your potting mix. Plant towards the top of the potting mix and don't compact the soil around the roots.
John Kenyon and Jacqueline Walker (Random House NZ 1997)
Advice and cultivation notes for NZ climate and conditions. Plants that are available here.
If you already grow, or aspire to grow vireyas, this book is a must for its concise, practical advice and design insights. Review Here
Rh. 'Clare Rouse'
An evergreen shrub that carries trusses of apricot flowers blushed yellow at the throat intermittently throughout the year. It will light up an area of dappled shade and looks wonderful planted near native ferns.
Cultivation: Plant in light shade and stake, water until established. Prefers a humid climate, moist but not sodden soil conditions.
Propagation: Cuttings, layering
Some other vireyas to consider -
R. 'Buttermaid'
R. 'Flamenco Dancer'
R. 'Kadam' has very large blooms and striking red foliage
R. 'Pink Delight'
R. 'Pendance'
R. macgregoraie There are many forms of this species available. Normally yellow through orange flowers on a compact, tidy bush. One of the easiest species.
R. lochae
The Australian species native to the far north of Queensland. Compact and bushy, the flowers vary from a deep pink through red.
R. tuba
White or white blushed pink, narrow, tubular flowers cover the bush contrasting with glossy dark leaves. Scented.
