Volunteer Park Conservatory - 1402 East Galer Street - Seattle, Washington 98112 - (206) 322-4112

Plant Family of the Month

Azaleas & Vireyas - Ericaceae (Rhododendron Family)

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are familiar with Rhododendrons, the most visible member of the Ericaceae family in our gardens. They have tropical cousins in the genus Vireya, of which we have a diverse collection. Vireya species, growing in S.E. Asia, number over 300, approximately one third of all Rhododendrons. They were introduced to Britain in 1845. Vireyas mostly grow in the cooler areas in the tropics, either as epiphytes high in the tall trees of the cloud forest, or in more open ground in shrubby areas. They may bloom sporadically all year round, and we feature them whenever in bloom in the Seasonal House or Fern House.

Deciduous and evergreen hardy Azaleas are also familiar in our gardens here, and we often see brightly colored Florist Azaleas offered in flower shops for interior home décor. These are hybridized evergreen plants bred to be forced into bloom at any time of year. Some are winter hardy, and some are not. Florist Azaleas are featured in our Seasonal House in winter.

Another interesting genus in the Conservatory Ericaceae collections is Agapetes, a sub-tropical, epiphytic woody vine. Look for it clamoring above the pond in the Fern House. Tiny red flowers hang like jewels in spring and fall.

More information can be found online:

Azalea Society of America:
www.azaleas.org

American Rhododendron Society:
www.rhododendron.org

Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden, Federal Way, WA.
www.rhodygarden.org