Ericaceae - Botanical Family

Rhododendron laetum X zoelleri has large 1-1/2" to 2" salmon-yellow flowers with orange tips in trusses of 6-10. Like all Vireyas it can bloom year round since they are subtropical. Heaviest bloom is in early spring and mid-autumn. They can be grown with regular rhododendrum conditions but also can be grown as epiphytes, either in hanging baskets or mounted on cork. They are cold sensitive and only tolerate light frosts. They also do not like sustained hot temperatures as they generally come from higher altitudes.This adaptability makes the Vireya Rhododendron an ideal subject for cultivation in a temperate climate - the basic requirements of a frost-free growing area and sharply draining compost reflecting their natural environment. They need good air circulation as they can be prone to mildew under stale air conditions.

Rhododendron lochiae (Australian Rhododendron) is a small shrub that is native to cold climates, reaching a height of 2-5 ft. It can grown in USDA zones 7-9. The plant is best grown in a cold frame, conservatory, or greenhouse in order to maintain temperatures above freezing in the winter. Good drainage is necessary to avoid excess wetness in these sheltered environments. When grown outside in cold regions, the plant should be placed in a sheltered, sunny spot with protection from cold winds. It can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F when planted in the open garden. To keep the plant healthy, water it regularly and feed it with a balanced fertilizer. After flowering, lightly prune the shrub to maintain its shape.

Rhododendron lochiae can also be grown in put. It is not recommended to repot the plant in the winter, but it can be done in the spring. In the summer, prune and pinch the new shoots to promote better shape. It is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds and is known for its deep red, crimson, and vinous flowers that grow in clusters of up to six.

Rhododendron orbiculare is an evergreen shrub with rounded leaves, glaucous beneath, and lax trusses of bell-shaped rose-pink flowers 5-6cm across, in early spring

Rhododendron racemosum is an erect small evergreen shrub with dull green oval leaves glaucous beneath. Bright rose-pink, funnel-shaped flowers 2.5cm in width are clustered along the shoots. Ideal for planting in part shade and woodland.

Remarkable group of rhododendrons. These Vireya rhododendrons (also called Malesians) are quite different from their large, spring-blooming cousins. Many Vireyas, with flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and white - often intensely fragrant - are small enough to fit in a tabletop pot. They flower heavily in winter, when their color and scent are most welcome, with repeat bloom several times each year.

You can grow Vireyas indoors anywhere, setting plants outside during frostfree months. Use a fast-draining potting medium. Or create your own mix by blending 1 part peat moss, 1 part ground bark, and 2 parts perlite. Put plants in terracotta containers that are relatively tall and barely wider than the rootballs (Vireyas grow best when they're slightly rootbound. Keep Vireyas in a bright spot indoors during the winter, and move them out into the light shade of a tall tree or covered patio during frost-free months (temperatures lower than 28F can injure or kill these plants). Vireyas like to dry out between waterings. Water by weight, at least at first. Pick up the pot and feel how much it weighs when the soil is nearly dry. Then drench the soil and pick it up again - it will be much heavier. This will give you a sense of how light the pot should be bofore you water again. Water more often when plants are blooming. Most plants will eventually grow at least 2ft tall in containers, increasing bloom as they mature. If they get leggy, occasionally pinch new growth tips to force branching.

A deciduous, compact shrub bearing fragrant, funnel-shaped, orange-pink flowers in late spring to early summer.