Rhododendron INKARHO Brigitte

Rhododendron Inkarho Brigitte is part of a new series, sometimes using old varieties, but grafted onto a plant much more tolerant of clayey, loamy or slightly alkaline soils. Relatively low, well-branched, and wider than it is tall, this bushy shrub offers a beautiful contrast of colours between a pastel, pink, white-washed with lilac and animated with a beautiful yellow flame, and abundant, truly superb evergreen foliage of shiny dark green. In the ground as well as in pots, Inkarho rhododendrons are grown like hydrangeas, in partial shade, in deep, loose and moist soil.

Rhododendrons encompass more than 800 species of the heath family, cultivated for the beauty of their impressive flowering. The history of 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, as long as they are loose, fertile, moist and without excessive limestone. In summary, a soil that will suit hydrangeas.

Originally obtained in 1980 in Germany, 'Brigitte' is part of the category of large-flowered hybrids that are very cold-resistant. It forms a modest-sized shrub, with dense and branched vegetation and a broadly conical, both rounded and spreading habit. Wider than it is tall, it will reach an average height of 1.2m (4ft) to 1.3m (4ft) and a spread of 1.8m (6ft) to 2m (7ft) at maturity. Its growth is rather slow so its dimensions at the age of 10 years are around 1m (3ft) tall and 1.3 m (4ft) wide. Its evergreen leaves, of a shiny dark green colour, are narrow, lanceolate in shape, and particularly abundant on the branches. They have a very velvety underside. Flowering usually takes place from mid-May to mid-June: grouped in corymbs, beautiful funnel-shaped flowers, dark pink in bud, open in a palette of light pink, bright pink, and white-pink washed with lilac, displaying a throat spotted with yellow and speckled with orange.

It is high time that Rhododendrons escape the constraints of soil conditions: this is now possible with the Inkarho varieties! Rhododendron Inkarho Brigitte is relatively tolerant in terms of exposure; we recommend planting it in non-scorching sunlight or a partially shaded position, if possible facing east where it will benefit from the morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. In the garden as well as in pots, with its lovely pastel flowering, it will enhance a shaded space. Much more tolerant than classic rhododendrons, it can be paired, in a more traditional way, with many other flowering shrubs, not necessarily ericaceous: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quinces, buddleias, abelias, shrub roses, or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also be good companions, as well as foxgloves, in the undergrowth.