Rhododendron Rosa Dufthecke Inkarho

Rhododendron Rosa Dufthecke Inkarho is part of a new series of varieties with scented flowers, the "Dufthecke" series, grafted like all Inkharo rhododendrons on a plant much more tolerant of clayey, loamy, or slightly calcareous soils. Rosa Dufthecke is an evergreen bush, wider than tall, with vigorous growth, bearing a profusion of delightful flowers in a soft pink colour lightly speckled with copper-brown. Sweet-smelling, with a subtle but present fragrance, it's a new generation of Rhododendron that challenges our preconceptions; it is as tolerant as a hydrangea, hardy and easy to grow.

Rhododendrons encompass over 800 species of the Ericaceae family, cultivated for the beauty of their massive flowering. The history of Rhododendrons Inkarho, somewhat revolutionary plants recently showcased at the Chelsea Flower Show, began in Germany over 20 years ago. The discovery of a rhododendron naturally growing in a chalk quarry led to the grafting of different varieties onto its extraordinary root system. The bushes obtained through 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 calcareous. In summary, soil suitable for hydrangeas. Rosa Dufthecke forms a medium-sized, spreading bush. Its growth is vigorous, generally reaching 1.50 m in height by 2 m in width at maturity. Its evergreen, beautiful dark green leaves are elliptical and cover the plant well. They have a velvety underside. From mid-May to early June, its abundant flowering overwhelms the bush: clustered in corymbs, its slightly fringed flowers are a delicate pink adorned with a speckled throat in subtle coppery tones.

It's high time for Rhododendrons to break free from acidic soil and this is achieved with the new Inkarho varieties! Moreover, with this Dufthecke series, they are fragrant and vigorous in growth, in addition to having a particularly abundant and sweet-smelling flowering. Rhododendron Rosa Dufthecke is relatively tolerant in terms of exposure; we recommend placing it in non-scorching sun or partial shade, ideally to the east where it will benefit from the morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. In the garden, as a hedge or in a border, its abundant and bright flowering will easily adorn a shaded area. Much more tolerant than usual rhododendrons, it pairs, in a more traditional way, with many other flowering bushes, not necessarily in acidic soil: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quince trees, butterfly bushes, abelias or autumn camellias. Japanese anemones will also be good companions, as well as silver candles and foxgloves in shady areas.