Rhododendrons are evergreen or deciduous shrubs for acidic soils. They’re grown primarily for their showy spring flowers that come in a range of colours from purple and pink through to red and yellow. The foliage of some varieties is covered in a dense woolly covering (called indumentum) and deciduous varieties have fantastic autumn colour.
The Inkarho rootstock was developed over a 20-year period, from a rhododendron growing in a German lime quarry. Revolutionising how we grow rhododendrons, it enables us to grow them on neutral clay soils, with a pH of up to 7.5. Hardy hybrid rhododendrons and yakushimanum varieties can be grafted on to the Inkarho rootstock and grown in a much wider range of soil types than you would typically associate with rhododendrons.
Rhododendron ‘Kalinka’ (Inkarho) is a compact rhododendron with dark, glossy leaves with a brown indumentum on the underside. Ruffled, pink flowers open from red buds in spring. It’s ideal for growing in containers and small gardens, and with thrive in acid to neutral soils.
Grow Rhododendron ‘Kalinka’ (Inkarho) in moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil, in dappled shade. Once established, there should be little or no need to prune.
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Rhododendron ‘Kalinka’ and wildlife
Rhododendron ‘Kalinka’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
