Rhododendron INKARHO Bloombux

Rhododendron Bloombux, is just like the other varieties in the Inkharo range. Its secret lies in its roots, which tolerate the presence of clay and limestone in the soil better. On a compact bush, adorned with lovely shiny foliage, an abundance of small fragrant flowers bloom in June, often speckled with a deeper pink. This evergreen and hardy bush, elegant all year round and tolerant of pruning, can play the role of a boxwood in a small hedge or a large pot, with the added advantage of its delightful flowering. 

Rhododendrons encompass over 800 species from the Ericaceous family, cultivated for the beauty of their flowering. The story of the Inkharo Rhododendrons, somewhat revolutionary plants recently presented at the Chelsea Flower Show, begins in Germany over 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 bushes 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 limestone-rich. In summary, a soil that will suit hydrangeas.

The Bloombux variety is one of the latest introductions to the market and one of the easiest to cultivate. It is a hybrid between two dwarf species, R. hirsutum and R. micranthum. The bush has a rounded and slightly spreading habit. It will reach about 75cm (30in) in height in 10 years, and 1m (1 and 3ft) at maturity. Its evergreen foliage consists of small, entire, pointed, ovate leaves, with a fairly dark green colour and a satin finish. Flowering takes place in June, in the form of terminal clusters composed of numerous small, lightly fragrant pink flowers. This plant tolerates pruning immediately after flowering. Its hardiness is excellent.

Rhododendron Bloombux is relatively tolerant in terms of exposure; we recommend planting it in indirect sun or partial shade, if possible in the east where it will benefit from morning sun while being protected from excessive heat. In the garden, it can replace boxwood in all its uses: as a hedge, in topiary, or in large pots. In a more traditional way, you can plant it alongside many other flowering shrubs, not necessarily ericaceous: hydrangeas, Japanese quince, smaller buddleias, dwarf abelias, or autumn camellias. In acidic soil, it can of course be combined with Azaleas, Pieris, Japanese Maples, or, at the back of a border, with Ferns and Japanese Anemones.