These hybrid shrubs have solitary or multiple stems with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. They have dark green leathery oval leaves and the white, pink to yellow funnel-shaped flowers appear in a cluster from the mid-spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

RhododendronVireya Hybrids are naturally found from south-east Asia and Australia growing in well drained moist sandy to light clay loams that are lime free with a pH 5.5 to 6.5. They prefer a protected semi shaded to sunny position and are drought and frost tender.

The Tropical Rhododendrons are grown for their flowers and bushy habit. They are planted in tropical gardens along borders for screening or as a lawn specimen. They are also grown in containers and generally established in 3 to 4 years and are long lived. In cool climates these rhododendrons including the epiphytic forms are grown as glasshouse specimen requiring a bright humid position. The height of the plant may vary depending on the cultivar and many cultivars have fragrant flowers. ID 592

Rhododendron(ro-do-DEN-dron) Vireya Hybrids

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree; 'Vireya Hybrids': after French natural historian Julien Joseph Virey.

Ericaceae(er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens