Rhododendron INKARHO Bellini

The Rhododendron Bellini, an old and excellent German variety, has, like the other grafted Rhododendrons in the Inkarho range, a better tolerance for clay and limestone in the soil. Vigorous, with an upright and rounded habit, this very beautiful evergreen bush is covered in May with pale yellow flowers streaked and spotted with red in the throat, a pastel colour, quite unusual and bright for these bushes. Hardy, as tolerant of soil conditions as a hydrangea, elegant all year round, with a beautiful stature, it will work wonders in partial shade or even full shade, in a large bed or even in a hedge.

Rhododendrons encompass more than 800 species of the ericaceae family, cultivated for the beauty of their impressive flowering. The history of the Inkharo Rhododendrons, slightly revolutionary plants recently presented at the Chelsea Flower Show, begins in Germany more than 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 not excessively limestone-rich. In summary, a soil that will be suitable for hydrangeas.

Derived from a cross made in Germany in 1963 between Rhododendron 'Omega' and R. wardii, 'Bellini' belongs to the category of large-flowered hybrids. It forms an upright bush with a well-branched rounded crown. Sometimes wider than it is tall, it will reach an average of 3.25m (11 ft) in all directions when fully mature. Its growth is rather slow, generally reaching 1.45m (5ft) in all directions at the age of 10. Its evergreen leaves, dark green in colour, are elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. They have a very fuzzy underside. In May, its abundant flowering submerges the bush: grouped in corymbs, beautiful large flowers measuring 7 to 8cm (3in), salmon pink in bud, open into funnel-shaped pastel yellow flowers with a red throat.

It is high time for Rhododendrons to break free from the constraints of soil conditions: it is possible with the Inkarho varieties! The Rhododendron Inkarho Bellini is relatively tolerant in terms of 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. Denser shade does not prevent it from flowering, making it very valuable in woodland or along north-facing facades. In the garden, with its abundant and delicate flowering, it will easily enhance a shaded area of the garden, in the company of acid-loving plants such as Ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, shrubby heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas, or even Japanese Maples. In a more traditional way, you can plant it alongside many other flowering shrubs, not necessarily acid-loving : hydrangeas, Japanese quinces, buddleias, abelias, or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also be good companions, as well as foxgloves in woodland areas.