The RHS Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group are running a campaign to help save the Vireya, the ‘forgotten’ rhododendron.
If you can grow an orchid, you can grow a Vireya!
Vireya Facts:
Most Vireyas are easy to grow, requiring very similar conditions to orchids. They flower at all times of the year and can be grown under glass all-year-round or moved outside for the warmer months. They come in a range of vibrant colours and many are deliciously fragrant. Once really popular, Vireyas are now at ‘critical status’ in the UK with just 300 plants representing 182 unique varieties in the hands of less than 20 growers. Only 37 varieties have duplicate plants. Vireyas need our help!
We are setting up a ‘guardian scheme’ which is open to anyone who is willing to join in and ‘adopt’ a plant to help us save vireyas for future generations to enjoy in the UK.
If you think you would like to participate in this venture, get in touch to find out more!
The RHS Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia Group
Contact: Pam Hayward, Woodtown, Sampford Spiney, Yelverton, PL20 6LJ
Email: pam@woodtown.net
Tel: 01822 852122
Can you tell me where I can get a Vireya Rhododendron from?
Thank you
Hello Paul, your best bet is to contact Millais Nurseries, near Farnham, in Surrey. Good Luck. Best wishes, Beth