Vireya rhododendrons are for adventurous gardeners looking for something different and dazzling. They're colourful, flower freely several times a year. They hail from the tropics and will do well through much of coastal NZ. In cooler areas they are often grown in containers and moved into sheltered positions in winter.
Feature:
Bright cherry-plum-red flowers on a bush with compact spreading habit.
Uses:
Use vireyas to add interest to sub-tropical style gardens, great in containers and the conservatory.
Position:
Dappled shade, shelter from harsh wind and all but the lightest frost in cooler areas of Zone 9. Best in a well-drained acid soil; don't use lime. They prefer a restricted root zone.
Care:
Little needed; an occasional clip to remove wayward branches and don’t let them get too dry over summer.
