Rhododendron INKARHO Furnivalls Daughter

Rhododendron 'Furnivall's Daughter' is an old English variety, still highly appreciated for its spring flowering, as spectacular as it is brilliant, with large conical inflorescences in a soft pink shade strongly marked with cherry red. This wonderful bush, with a compact habit as wide as it is tall, is now available grafted on Inkarho®, which allows it to be grown in a wide range of acidic to slightly calcareous soils, including clay or loamy soils. Whether in the ground or in a pot, rhododendrons from the Inkarho range are cultivated like hydrangeas, in partial shade, in deep, loose and fresh soil.

Rhododendrons encompass over 800 species of the Ericaceae family, cultivated for the beauty of their massive flowering. The history of Inkarho 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 graft different varieties onto its extraordinary root system. The shrubs 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 not excessively calcareous. In summary, a soil that is suitable for hydrangeas.

Originally obtained in 1958 in England, 'Furnivall's Daughter ' was awarded an A.G.M by the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental qualities. This variety belongs to the category of cold-resistant hybrid rhododendrons with large flowers (at least down to -15° C (5° F)). It forms a handsome, densely branched shrub with a rounded habit. As wide as it is tall, it will reach an average size of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is rather slow, so its dimensions at the age of 10 years are around 1.1 m (3.6 ft) in all directions. Its large evergreen leaves are a very fresh green with a glossy finish and are oval-lanceolate in shape, measuring up to 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. Flowering generally takes place from mid-May to mid-June. Grouped in corymbs, the beautiful funnel-shaped flowers are bright pink in bud, opening to light candy pink or pale pink with a throat spotted with strawberry pink and intensely streaked with cherry red.

Rhododendron 'Furnivall's Daughter' is relatively tolerant regarding exposure. Plant it in the morning sun or in partial shade. If possible, plant in the East where it will benefit from the morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. Its good shade tolerance also allows it to be used to brighten up the north facade of the house. In the garden or in pots, with its charmingly pink flowering, it will easily dress up a shaded space. Less demanding in terms of soil than usual rhododendrons, it can be more classically associated with numerous other flowering shrubs, not necessarily acidophilous: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quince, buddleias, abelias, shrub roses or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also make good companions, as well as silver candles and foxgloves, in woodland areas. It is often forgotten that Rhododendrons can be used to create truly remarkable hedges, on property boundaries or along wide paths in a large garden.