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Vireyas

>Date: Sat, 29 Nov 1997 23:41:30
>Sender: owner-medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
>From: Doug McClure <dkm@cts.com>
>To: medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
>Subject: Vireyas
>
> Is anyone growing Vireyas, a rhododendron related vine or shrub? Do you
> have any growing advice or recommended varieties?
>
> I understand that they are somewhat drought tolerant, even though they are
> native to New Guinea. So though they don't seem like the typical
> Mediterranean plant, I suppose they will do well for some of our world-wide
> group of gardeners. They seem to be better known in New Zealand than in the
> US.
>
> I live in San Diego, California, Sunset Zone 23-24, USDA Zone 10?
>
> Thanks,
>
> DKM

Doug -

I know that Michael Barclay (a member of this forum) does grow these
Rhodies, and is somewhat of a local expert on this genera in
general.  Perhaps he'll post to this thread if he manages to see it.
(I can supply his e-mail address to interested parties)

There is a local (SF Bay Area), public planting of these species
here in Oakland, inside a lath house.  The area is surrounded by a
5-6ft cinder block wall, topped with several feet of metal lath wall
and ceiling over the whole business.  This provides shelter from
strong winds, increases the ambient humidity and conserves moisture
in wamer weather.  It is hooked up to a mist/drip system but the
general area does become relatively dry at time.  The planting
medium is heavy on coarse organics, which helps conserve moisture
within the soil particles.

As I understand (anyone should feel free to correct me), these
tropical species grow in a semi-ephiphytic manner, in rotting
material either on the ground or in tree stumps or branches.  Their
roots are adapted to finding nutrients and moisture in this
material, which can dry out somewhat at times, but moisture is
routinely available from routine rains.  I imagine these are best
grown in the sheltered situation described above, with moisture
provided from an automatic system.  They are not really hot-house
tropicals, requiring gallons of water all of the time, but they need
a consistent environment to do well.  They can thrive in our local
cool/mild areas under the correct conditions.

Michael Barclay would routinely bring one of these species into a
local horticultural society's monthly meeting in full flower - ALL
YEAR LONG!

 Sean A. O'Hara                     sean.ohara@ucop.edu
 710 Jean Street                    (510) 987-0577
 Oakland, California 94610-1459     h o r t u l u s   a p t u s
 U.S.A.                             'a garden suited to its purpose'
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