Rhododendron INKARHO Brasilia

Rhododendron Inkarho Brasilia is part of a new series which includes some old varieties but grafted onto a much more tolerant plant towards clayey, loamy or slightly chalky soils. Well adapted to small spaces and container gardening, 'Brasilia' is an evergreen bush with a compact habit, which stands out for the unusual colour of its flowering in spring, in various shades of pink, orange and salmon, each beautifully frilled flower displaying a vibrant little yellow flame in the throat. An evergreen bush which is just as tolerant as a hydrangea, decorative throughout the year, easy to grow in the ground or in containers.

Rhododendrons encompass over 800 species of the family Ericaceae, cultivated for the beauty of their impressive flowering. The story of the Inkharo Rhododendrons, somewhat revolutionary plants recently presented at the Chelsea Flower Show, began in Germany over 20 years ago. The discovery of a rhododendron naturally growing in a chalk quarry made it possible to consider grafting 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 chalky. In summary, a soil that suits hydrangeas.

Obtained in 1982, 'Brasilia' belongs to the category of large-flowered hybrids. It forms a modest-sized bush with a rounded, compact and branched habit. As wide as it is tall, it will reach an average of 1.5m (5ft) in all directions at maturity, sometimes 1.8m (5,9ft) under excellent conditions. Its growth is rather slow. Its evergreen leaves are dark green and elliptical in shape, covering the plant well. They have a very velvety underside. From mid-May to early June, its abundant flowering overwhelms the bush: grouped in corymbs, beautiful large funnel-shaped flowers measuring 7 to 8cm (3in), initially red-orange buds, open in a palette of pink-orange-salmon tones evolving into lighter shades of cream-orange washed with soft pink. The inflorescence then forms a delightful multicoloured bouquet illuminated by small yellow flames and long stamens curved in a shade of almost red.

It is high time for Rhododendrons to free themselves from the constraint of ericaceous soil: this is now possible with the Inkarho varieties! The Rhododendron Inkarho Brasilia is relatively tolerant regarding exposure; we recommend planting it in non-burning sun or partial shade, preferably facing east where it will benefit from the morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. In the garden as well as in containers, with its abundant and colourful flowering, it will easily dress up a shaded space. Much more tolerant than traditional rhododendrons, it can be combined, in a more classic way, with many other flowering bushes, not necessarily ericaceous: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quinces, buddleias, abelias or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also make good companions, as well as foxgloves in woodland.