Vireya Rhododendron Birat Red

Vireya Rhododendron Birat Red shows off trusses of soft luminous red flowers.

Known as the Tropical Rhododendrons, Vireya Rhododendrons bring a stunning burst of colour to your garden or pot display. These medium to large sized shrubs grow well in the warmer regions of Australia, however they also grow well in cooler areas so long as a warm sheltered position free from frost is selected. This versatile and hardy plant will tolerate a cooler frost free winter and a warm summer so long as they are planted in a brightly shaded position, making Vireyas an extremely versatile plant for most parts of Australia.

With delicate looking foliage and large leathery leaves, Vireyas are similar to other Rhododendrons, requiring a well drained acid soil to grow to their best. A brightly lit shaded position, or morning sun only will offer these plants protection from the hot summer sun and give them the opportunity to thrive. Mulch the soil well to keep the roots cool and ensure plants are regularly watered during the hot summer months. Vireyas resent root disturbance so potted plants do best if they are only potted up when they become potbound. Do not go up too much in the way of pot sizes as they suffer terribly if the pot is a great deal larger than it's previous pot. It is recommended to only increase about 50mm all around. When repotting or planting out handle the roots gently so the delicate root system is not damaged, and take extra care to avoid too much disruption.

Vireya Rhododendrons come in a vast range of colours, with some varieties having a beautiful fragrance. They make a delightful and long lasting cut flower if you wish to enjoy their vibrant colours flowers inside. The trumpet shaped flowers appear in large clusters and can be produced throughout the year, however the main flushes tend to be during autumn and spring. For best results a slow release fertiliser or blood & bone can be applied at the recommended rate for flowering shrubs to help your plant thrive all year round. If flowers are left on the shrub a light prune as flowers are dying off will encourage new growth and a more compact shape.