A reason to celebrate in Northern Germany: On March 15, 2026, the Interest Group for Lime-Tolerant Rhododendrons, known as INKARHO, celebrated its 25th anniversary. On this occasion, 28 shareholders, licensees, and closely associated experts gathered at the propagation nursery “Schröder Rhododendron” in Ammerland, Lower Saxony. The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity to honor special achievements: Bernd Schmidt (Bruns Pflanzen), who founded the company together with Diderk Heinje and initially managed it on a voluntary basis, and Werner Borchers (Borchers Baumschulen), who took over this role in 2008, were honored. In 2025, Borchers passed responsibility to Frank Meinen (Baumschule Hans Meinen), who now manages the business on a voluntary basis together with founding member Diderk Heinje. The board is supported by advisory board chairman Jan Hinrichs (Hinrichs Pflanzen). Continuity is also ensured by Ralf Lüttmann, who has held the full-time managing director position for 25 years.

INKARHO originated from a visionary idea aimed at successfully cultivating rhododendrons on lime-rich soils without additional peat. Decades of breeding work resulted in countless crosses. More than two million seedlings were tested in vitro, later evaluated outdoors, and strictly selected. From around 600 promising plants, 60 elite clones emerged, characterized by strong root growth in lime-rich soils and suitability as grafting rootstocks. With the founding of INKARHO GmbH & Co. KG in 1992, a decisive step was taken: the best elite clones were acquired from the federal institute. After further trials in partner nurseries and at the LVG Bad Zwischenahn, the official market launch followed in 1997, including plant variety protection applications. In 2001, today’s INKARHO GmbH was established by 16 nurserymen to jointly market lime-tolerant rhododendron varieties.

Over the years, INKARHO has developed a diverse brand portfolio of rhododendrons grafted on special lime-tolerant rootstocks. Particularly well known is “Bloombux,” a lime-tolerant hybrid of Rhododendron hirsutum and Rhododendron micranthum. These plants are currently available in pink and magenta-red, with white planned for the future. “Nugget by Bloombux” is available for low hedges and ground cover. “Easydendron,” available in over 30 varieties, signals to consumers that rhododendrons can now be planted easily in almost any garden. The “INKARHO Fragrant Hedge” series is ideal for hedges and includes cutting-propagated, highly pruning-tolerant varieties in white, purple, pink, and yellow. With “Happydendron,” INKARHO is deliberately taking new paths: the colorful, modern presentation of the ‘Pushy Purple’ variety is designed to appeal to a younger audience and give rhododendrons a contemporary image. The range is complemented by the newest product line “Grazeasy,” hybrids with Rhododendron ponticum ‘Graziella,’ characterized by narrow foliage, striking red shoots, and flowers in dark pink, violet, or light pink. Further new products are already in preparation.

Thanks to these innovative varieties and intensive marketing efforts, INKARHO is now also in demand internationally. Licensees from countries such as France, Japan, and Canada are part of the network; in total, 18 license partners collaborate with INKARHO. Numerous awards underline this success.

Despite a generally declining rhododendron market, INKARHO has maintained stable sales figures. Around 600,000 Bloombux plants and 150,000 plants from other brands are marketed annually. At the same time, work continues intensively on new product lines.

A quarter century after its founding, INKARHO GmbH can look back on an exceptionally successful development—and look confidently to the future.

Further information at www.inkarho.de

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