Rhododendron cultivar ‘Saxon Blush’ was displayed at the Plantarium exhibition by Van Vliet New Plants. It belongs to the Vireya genus of some 300 Rhododendrons from South-east Asia. The 'Saxon' series were bred in New Zealand by Os Blimhardt from crossing R. 'Hot Tropic' with low growing R. saxifragiodes. The result are Vireya type Rhododendrons with compact dense habit, ideal for pot cultivation. 'Saxon Blush' will grow to a height of 40cm and produces large tubular salmon coloured flowers with red stamens in abundance. The 'Saxon' hybrids (another good one with bright red flowers is 'Saxon Glow') are easy to care evergreen plants, also good for garden beds. However they will not stand anything more than the slightest of frosts and need winter protection. They grow best in partial shade to full sun in an open well draining soil, although the root system must not be allowed to dry out. The variety R. 'Hot Tropic' derives from the cross R. laetum x R. zoelleri. www.vireya.net