Vireya rhododendrons: exotic, high-value greenhouse plants for specialty nurseries

I’ve spent many a day walking through the beautiful Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington. The months of May and June bring about an epic display of dramatic colors and fragrances. Rhododendrons could certainly be described as drama queens, but what if there were a group of rhododendrons that was even flashier and more flamboyant than all the rest, with an intoxicating fragrance and absurdly vibrant colors? It would be the ‘Lady Gaga' of rhododendrons!

Meet the Vireya (pronounced VEER-ee-uh) subgenus of rhododendrons. These flamboyant cousins of the common rhodie are native to Southeast Asia, especially the cloud-kissed mountaintops of Thailand, Borneo, New Guinea and The Philippines. Some species of Vireya are also found in China, India, Nepal and even Australia. New Guinea has the most Vireya species of any island, with 167 species.

Vireyas are epiphytic by nature, meaning they often grow on trees in the wild like some kind of high-rise penthouse plant. When they bloom with their flaming oranges, canary yellows and shocking pinks, it’s like a botanical fashion show. They are basically the orchids of the rhododendron world — exotic, picky and devastatingly pretty.

Vireyas have lofty standards. They want great drainage, bright filtered light and air circulation. Water too much and they’ll sulk. Ignore them and they’ll pout. They won’t tolerate hard frosts, so in northern climates, they will need a warm greenhouse to overwinter. Vireya rhododendrons are not for the faint of heart or the chronically forgetful waterer. But for those who appreciate the dazzle of a high-maintenance plant with Hollywood heartthrob looks, Vireyas are the divas worth doting on. Just remember, they live for the applause, lots of love and don’t forget to tell them they’re beautiful!