Vireya are semi-tropical rhododendron that do not need cold to set buds and repeat bloom throughout the year.  They are unlike the temperate rhododendrons on the mainland that need cold and bloom once a year. Vireya’s main homeland is the Indonesian areas such as Borneo and Java, where they grow along the rainforest and in open fields.

Hawaii has areas where Vireya do very well because of our acidic and porous volcanic soil. Hilo, Puna, Volcano and Waimea are examples of areas vireya thrive.

Sherla Bertelmann and her husband, Richard Marques, began working with vireya around 1996.

Attendees can add their  name to the drawing to win a vireya to take home!

If you need an auxillary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change. For a list of upcoming library events, visit test-library.ehawaii.gov/events.