Rhododendron INKARHO Bernstein

The Rhododendron Bernstein, just like the other varieties in the Inkarho range, stands out as an alien in the highly selective ericaceous world where these delightful bushes evolve. Its secret lies in its roots, which have a better tolerance of the presence of clay and limestone in the soil. On a large spreading bush, adorned with beautiful light green foliage, an abundance of large flowers bloom in June, with unusual colours for rhododendrons. They display a palette of cream, yellow, and orange tones, enhanced with brown spots on the throat. Hardy, elegant all year round, and of fine stature, it will work wonders in a large flowerbed or even in a hedge. It is high time for Rhododendrons to free themselves from ericaceous soil: this is now possible with this more versatile and equally charming variety!

Rhododendrons encompass more than 800 species from the Ericaceae family, cultivated for the beauty of their impressive flowering. The history of Inkarho Rhododendrons, slightly revolutionary plants recently presented at the Chelsea Flower Show, began in Germany more than 20 years ago. The discovery of a rhododendron naturally growing in a chalk quarry made it possible to graft different varieties onto its extraordinary root system. The bushes obtained by this method tolerate a wide range of soils with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 7.5, provided they are loose, fertile, moist, and not excessively alkaline. In summary, any soil that is suitable for hydrangeas.

Derived from a cross with a Yakushimanum hybrid Rhododendron, the 'Bernstein' Rhododendron was originally introduced on its own roots in 1965 in Germany. It forms a dense bush with a rounded, slightly spreading habit, wider than it is tall, averaging 1.75m (6ft) in height and 2.2m (7ft) in width at maturity. Its growth is rather slow, generally reaching 1m (3ft) in height and 1.4m (5ft) in width at the age of 10. Its evergreen leaves are light green, elliptical in shape and cover the plant excellently. They have a very fuzzy underside. In May, its remarkably abundant flowering submerges the bush: clustered in corymbs of 8 to 11 units, beautiful large flowers measuring 7 to 8cm (3in), salmon in bud, open into a palette of delicate shades, white-cream, pale amber yellow, orange, brown, dark red.

The Rhododendron Inkarho Bernstein is relatively tolerant regarding exposure; we recommend that you place it in non-burning sunlight or partial shade, if possible facing east where it will benefit from morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. In the garden, with its abundant and delicate flowering, it will easily adorn a shaded area of the garden, in the company of Ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, bushy heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas, and Japanese maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours. In a more traditional way, you can plant it alongside many other flowering shrubs, not necessarily ericaceous: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quince, buddleias, abelias, or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also be good companions, as well as foxgloves in the undergrowth.