Add a touch of the tropics to your garden with Vireyas, the tropical rhododendron. Well suited to Auckland’s climate, Loved for their bright colour, flowers range in sizes and are set in clusters that are tube shaped.
Planting Calendar
Vireya are best planted during Spring, Summer and Autumn.
Prepare
Position
Vireya need good light levels to grow well and can grow in full sun to part shade, although they do prefer protection from the scorching midday sun. Wind can cause damage to the flowers and branches so protect from high winds.
Soil
When planted into the ground Vireya likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. Vireya like slightly acidic soil so the Peat added at planting will provide acidity. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Back fill the hole mixing in Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets. Position the plant so that the top of the roots sits proud of the surrounding ground level. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster It is important not to plant your Vireya too deep, they do best when they are planted slightly ‘proud’ (meaning the plant remains slightly up above ground level, and soil is mounded up around the roots) this method of planting ensures good drainage and mimics their natural habitat, where they cling to rocks and grow almost above ground. Vireya do not like their roots to be disturbed, so take care when planting not to damage them.
Care
Watering
Vireya do not tolerate wet feet, water to keep the soil just damp.Try not to let them dry out.
Feeding
Vireya do not like heavy or strong fertilisers as this can cause leaf tip burn. Liquid feed monthly with Aquaticus Garden Booster. Apply applications of Peat as a mulch to increase acidity
Protecting
Protection from frosts is essential as Vireya are a tropical plant and do not like the frost.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects. Thrip can be an issue in hot dry environments, causing the leaves to go a grey/silver colour. Spray with Yates Mavrik gun ensuring to get under the leaves. Where mildew is a problem spray with Free Flo Copper.
Pruning
Vireya naturally grow somewhat leggy, the more shade they are in the leggier they can grow. To reduce legginess pinch out every second growth flush.
Beginner Tip
Wet or waterlogged soil is one of the main things that affets Vireya. Good drainage is essential.
Tip
Vireya do not like lime, so avoid planting in areas where lime is used
Top Varieties
Tropic Glow
Flowers 2-3 times a year providing masses of stunning, orange trumpet-shaped flowers with a golden yellow throat. Grows around 1.5m
Gilded Sunrise
Generally flowers several times a year, producing a mass of gorgeously showy flowers. Grows around 1.8-2m
Kisses
This compact-growing vireya is ideal for pots or the ground and produces a stunning display of pale pink flowers. Grows around 0.9 -1.2m
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my leaves going all spotty?
This may be because your viyeas have Thrips. Take a picture of your plant and come instore to show our plant doctors for treatment options and advice.
