Rhododendron Orakel Inkarho

Rhododendron Orakel Inkarho is a recognised hybrid variety as it was nominated for the highly selective competition of the best plants of the year in 2016 for the Chelsea Flower Show organised by the RHS in England. The Inkharo range includes hybrids that are more tolerant of limestone and clay in the soil. Orakel is a very hardy selection that bears violet flowers with dark crimson red spot at the end of spring, on a compact plant of beautiful stature, with dark green evergreen foliage. In a large flowerbed, in a hedge or at the edge of trees, here is finally a "rhodo" that breaks free from acid soil to be planted in more varied soils, even slightly limestone or somewhat heavy.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers. The history of Inkharo Rhododendrons, somewhat revolutionary plants, 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 on 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, provided they are loose, fertile, moist, and not excessively calcareous. In summary, a soil suitable for hydrangeas. The Orakel cultivar forms a large branching bush with a dense habit, reaching approximately 1.80 m in height at the age of 10 years and 1.50 m in spread, in good growing conditions, in open ground. Its growth is rather slow. Its large leaves are elliptical, dark green and glossy on the upper side, showing a lighter and fuzzy underside. They are evergreen. Towards the end of May, for about 3 weeks, large funnel-shaped flowers measuring 10 to 11 cm in diameter bloom at the end of the branches in large clusters or spherical corymbs, composed of very wavy petal edges. The flower's centre has long pink stamens. The petals are violet with a dark crimson red spot on the upper part.

Rhododendron Orakel is a very hardy plant, down to -20°C, at least. It is relatively tolerant in terms of exposure, we recommend planting it in non-scorching sun or partial shade, ideally to the east where it benefits from the morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. In the garden, with its abundant and delicate flowering, it easily dresses up a shaded area of the garden, alongside Ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, shrubby Heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas and Japanese maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours. It is versatile and you can also plant it alongside many other flowering shrubs, not necessarily acid-loving: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese quinces, butterfly bushes, abelias, or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also be good companions, as well as bugbanes and foxgloves, in the undergrowth.