Rhododendron INKARHO Nova Zembla

Rhododendron Nova Zembla is a spectacular evergreen bush, notable for its vigour, its brilliant red-pink spring flowering, and its great resistance to cold and sun. This superb variety, with a rounded and upright habit, as wide as it is tall, is now available grafted on Inkarho, which allows it to be grown in a wide range of acid to slightly alkaline soils, including clayey or loamy soils. Whether in the ground or in containers, Inkarho rhododendrons are cultivated like hydrangeas, in partial shade, in deep, loose, and moist soil.

Rhododendrons encompass more than 800 species of the heather family, cultivated for the beauty of their impressive flowering. The history of Inkarho Rhododendrons, somewhat 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 shrubs obtained through 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 alkaline. In summary, any soil suitable for hydrangeas.

Originally obtained in 1902 in the Netherlands from a cross between the variety 'Pearsons's Grandiflorum' and an unknown (hardy red hybrid), 'Nova Zembla' belongs to the category of cold-resistant hybrid rhododendrons (at least down to -15°C (5°F)). It forms a bushy and fastigiate shrub, of beautiful stature. As wide as it is tall, it will reach an average of 1.7m (6ft) in all directions at maturity. Its growth is rather slow, so its dimensions at the age of 10 years are around 1m (3ft) to 1.2m (4ft) in all directions. Its large evergreen leaves, dark green with a glossy finish, are ovate-lanceolate in shape and measure up to 15cm (6in) long. Flowering usually takes place from mid-May to mid-June: grouped in corymbs of 3 to 6 beautiful funnel-shaped flowers, dark red in bud, they open in a carmine red shade with bluish reflections on a heavily maculated purple throat. The flowers gradually fade to a slightly intense pink over time, especially in the sun.

It is high time for Rhododendrons to break free from the constraints of soil conditions: this is now possible with the Inkarho varieties! The Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' is relatively tolerant in terms of exposure and tolerates the sun and heat better than most other varieties; however, we recommend planting it in a position where it will get morning sun or partial shade, if possible facing 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 side of the house. Its evergreen foliage enlivens the garden or terrace throughout the year. Less demanding in terms of soil than usual rhododendrons, it can be paired, in a more traditional way, with many other flowering bushes, not necessarily ericaceous: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quinces, buddleias, abelias, shrub roses, or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones are also good companions, as well as foxgloves in woodland areas. It is often forgotten that Rhododendrons can be used to create remarkable hedges, on property boundaries or to border wide paths in a large garden.