Vireya rhododendrons are part of the rhododendron family, actually classified as a subgenus. They are native to Southeastern Asia (New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra and the Philippines), growing quite often in the cooler mountainous areas. On the Big Island, vireya have been successfully growing from Volcano down to the coast. There are about 300 species of vireya, also called tropical rhododendrons. Azaleas are part of this group.
Vireya rhododendrons are part of the rhododendron family, actually classified as a subgenus. They are native to Southeastern Asia (New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra and the Philippines), growing quite often in the cooler mountainous areas. On the Big Island, vireya have been successfully growing from Volcano down to the coast. There are about 300 species of vireya, also called tropical rhododendrons. Azaleas are part of this group.
Vireya grow well in the sun. Yet locations which produce high light and temperature intensity in the afternoon should be avoided. In this case, filtered sun is best. On the other hand, planting vireya in the shade will produce leggy shrubs with inferior flower production. No hot summer sun, no heavy shade. Planting vireya in soils and potting mixes with excellent drainage is important. In addition to vireya growing in the soil, and sometimes in cracks and crevices, they can also be found growing as epiphytes. An epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant (such as a tree) but is not a parasite on that tree and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and sometimes from debris accumulating around it.
Vireya are well adapted for growing in pots and may even grow well indoors in a well-lit area. They come in a variety of beautiful, vibrant colors such as salmon, pinks, orange and yellows.
For those interested in learning more about vireya, join the Hawaii Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. They meet at the Keaau Community Center every month on the third Sunday with an educational program and a plant auction. The society had a wonderful display/information booth at the Hilo Orchid Show. On Sunday, Oct. 21, they will be at the zoo with information and free plants or cuttings to give away.
For information on the Society, contact Sherla Bertelmann at 966-9225 or at sbertelmann@hawaii.rr.com.
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In some areas of this island, with some exceptions, the rain has been fairly consistent since the beginning of the year. Undoubtedly, some ill-effects may be observed in the garden due to the wet weather.
— A general yellowing of plants. This can be due to the soil remaining wet for a long period of time thus excluding soil oxygen. In this anaerobic condition, plants will yellow. Likewise, the profusion of rain is washing the soil nitrogen below the root zone, and plants become nitrogen deficient, causing yellowing.
— More fungal leafspot diseases, tomatoes most notably. Disease causing fungal spores will land on a leaf surface, germinate and infect the leaf. In a short time, thousands of spores will be produced. When a rain droplet or water from irrigation lands on the leaf, these newly produced spores will be splattered to other areas of the leaf and to nearby leaves, landing, germinating and infecting new areas. Thus with more rain and more droplets, more and more lesions (infestations) are created.
— Ears of corn may lack a full complement of kernels. This can be caused by a lack of pollination which will occur during periods of heavy rainfall. Low pollination is also caused by improper planting densities. Do not plant one of a few individual seedlings, or a single row. Plant a minimum of four rows, 8 feet long.
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Tips for
Picking Corn
— Mark the calendar the day the corn was planted. In Hawaii, sweet corn is harvested 70-85 days after planting.
— Corn is ready when the silks begin drying and turning brown.
— Record the date at which half of the plants show the silks emerging from the new ears. Under warm summer conditions, the corn will be ready about 18 days later.
— Perhaps the easiest clue is to pull the green husk back from the cob and check the appearance of the corn kernels. If the corn looks ready, it’s time to pick.
Hilo resident Nick Sakovich is a professor emeritus of the University of California. He has worked in the field of agriculture for 30 years. Email your questions to Sakovich at askthegardenguy@earthlink.net.