Rhododendron yakushimanum Bohlken's Roter Stern Inkarho

Rhododendron yakushimanum Easydendron Bohlken's Roter Stern Inkarho is a hybrid with a very compact habit, renowned for the quality of the red colour of its flowers. This pure bright red does not fade throughout the very abundant flowering period, and its large flowers are perfectly complemented by small, shiny dark green leaves. This rhododendron is part of the Inkarho range (Easydendron), which includes hybrids that are more tolerant of limestone and clay in the soil. In summary, it forms a bright and floriferous bush, perfect for easily dressing up a small shaded or slightly shaded area of the garden, with simplified growing conditions, including a wider range of soils.

Rhododendrons encompass over 800 species from the ericaceae family, cultivated for the beauty of their massive flowering. The history of Inkharo Rhododendrons, 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 shrubs 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 essence, a soil suitable for hydrangeas. Rhododendron yakushimanum Bohlken's Roter Stern was originally introduced on its own roots in 1987 in Germany. It forms a dense bush, with a rounded habit reaching about 90 cm in height and 1.40 m wide at 10 years old. Its growth is rather slow. Its small, persistent, leathery dark green elliptical leaves cover the plant well. Flowering occurs in May. Clustered in corymbs, the red floral buds open into large funnel-shaped, 10 cm wide flowers in a beautiful pure red.

Like all yakushimanum hybrids, affectionately known as "rhodos yak" by specialists, Rhododendron Easydendron Bohlken's Roter Stern is quite hardy, rated down to -20°C. Although they prefer partial shade, these hybrids can tolerate the sun as long as it is not scorching (morning sun) and their base remains moist. With its abundant and vividly coloured flowering, this "rhodo" easily enhances a small somewhat shaded area of the garden, alongside Ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create stunning patchworks of textures and colours in spring. It is versatile, you can also plant it alongside many other flowering shrubs, not necessarily acid-loving: hydrangeas, mock oranges, Japanese flowering quinces, buddleias, abelias, or autumn camellias. Japanese Anemones will also make good companions, as well as bugbanes and foxgloves, in the understory. Container cultivation requires regular watering.