Epiphytic Rhododendrons

[Clawhammer]

Does anyone grow epiphyte rhododendrons?

I have been growing rhododendron Edgeworthii and its hybrids for a few years and it may be my favorite non-orchid plant. Epiphyte rhodies are more likely to be scented than terrestrial, which calls to me. Edgeworthii smells wonderful and is just so beautiful. If you can grow this plant get it!!

I just picked up my first vireya rhododendron yesterday (rhododendron polyanthemum). Very hard to source this type of rhody.

I really need to plan a trip to cloud forests in Asia.

Just thought I would bring a little awareness about the wonderful diversity of this genus

[jcec1]

There is a garden on the West Coast of Scotland that had a huge edgeworthii, you could smell it from about 100m away. They are borderline hardy where I am, have been thinking about getting one, I do have about 40 or so rhodies and azaleas already in the garden.

[Clawhammer]

Originally Posted by jcec1

There is a garden on the West Coast of Scotland that had a huge edgeworthii, you could smell it from about 100m away. They are borderline hardy where I am, have been thinking about getting one, I do have about 40 or so rhodies and azaleas already in the garden.

Nothing like a specimen edgeworthii. I am lucky to live about a 2 hour drive from the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and Nursery in Federal Way Washington. It is a rhododendron wonderland and they offer incredibly rare species. They have a great edgeworthii specimen.

Edgeworthii does really well in a container and looks right at home.

My edgeworthii hybrid 'Fragrantissum' opened up it's first flower yesterday, officially kicking off Rhody flowering season (I have about 70).

I also got a rhododendron Nuttallii yesterday, my #2 favorite species. So many wonderful hybirds of that species as well.

[estación seca]

If you ever get the chance during flowering season, visit the Rhododendron garden in the Strybing Arboretum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California.

[Jeff214]

If you're into small rhododendrons and bonsai, Satsuki (Rhododendron indicum) hybrids are nice. I also like Rhododendron x mucronatum.

If you are ever near the Blue Ridge mountains (Asheville - Brevard, NC area), they are covered in rhododendrons and bramble blooms in the late spring. It's a beautiful hike. I used to go every spring when I lived over there.

[ArronOB]

Yes, i have grown vireyas sporadically for years. About twenty or thirty years ago they featured on a local gardening show (Burke’s Backyard) and became briefly popular. Why they lost popularity I don’t know but I have noticed most gardeners do not understand the special requirements of epiphytes - so I guess most people just planted them in the ground in full sun. It’s a shame because they are very hardy, disease free and low care in our climate - they just need drainage and sun protection.

I’ve always wanted to have a small collection as they would compliment orchids having many of the same requirements but being low care rather then high care they would not be an additional burden. They would require a lot of space, however.

I see hybrids in garden shops here occasionally but I don’t recall ever seeing a species.

Vireyas really should be more popular.

[Diane56Victor]

Ive been keeping my eyes open for virayas for ages when visiting garden centres.

[ArronOB]

Originally Posted by Diane56Victor

Ive been keeping my eyes open for virayas for ages when visiting garden centres.

Vireya Rhododendron Assorted