Tropical Rhododendrons
successfully grow in the warmer parts
of Australia.
They will tolerate both
cold winters and warm summers (unlike
the cool climate Vireyas which will
not grow on the Sunshine Coast or in
other areas of Queensland because of
the heat).
They originate from the
South Pacific – from areas such
as Indonesia, Borneo & Malaysia.
A huge selection of colours
exist, from pale creams & whites
to brilliant oranges, pinks and reds.
The flowers are produced
in clusters of trumpet shaped blooms,
and are produced throughout the year,
mainly in Autumn & Spring.
Some varieties are highly
fragrant, while others are not.
These plants have a fine
root system, so please handle with care
when planting as to not disturb their
growth.
Please ensure you repot
your Vireya gradually into larger size
pots - do not over pot i.e. do not pot
a 140mm plant into a 300mm pot. Only
pot up as necessary.
Growing
Tips:
Location – they
are ideal for keeping in pots, as well
as planting out in the garden. Some
varieties are popular as hedges. Try
hanging baskets for the more compact
and prostrate varieties.
Light – they like
brightly lit positions, however position
away from the heat of the afternoon
sun over the warmer months. Some of
the larger leaf varieties do require
more shade than others.
Wind – keep protected
from strong winds.
Watering- Water well
once potted up or planted out. Then
regular watering is recommended, however
avoid over watering.
Soil or mix – they
will thrive in a moist, well drained
soil or potting mix. Cultivate the soil
before planting out into the garden.
pH – Vireyas like
an acidic soil. Do not feed with products
containing lime.
Mulching – will
assist in the retention of water and
to keep the roots cool.
Fertilisers – use
good slow release fertilisers, blood
and bone, or a soluble fertiliser at
half the normal rate.
Pruning – We recommend
lightly pruning after they finish flowering.
They respond well to regular pruning
and this keeps them to a nice form.
Cold climates –
they will tolerate cold weather, however
protect from frosts, as this will damage
the new growth, or flower buds.
Problem
Solving:
Mealy Bugs – distorts
& stunts new growth – use
white oil to fix this.
Azalea Lace Bug –
discolours older leaves, small white
spots appear – the lace bugs will
be visible on the underside of the leaves
– solution is to use Confidor.
Pale new growth –
iron deficiency or magnesium. Use Fe
chelates (Iron chelates) & MgSO4
(Magnesium sulphate) to remedy this.
Any acid tonic for azaleas
is also good for Vireyas.
