USPP12109P2 - Azalea plant named ‘Conles’ - Google Patents

Azalea plant named ‘Conles’ Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USPP12109P2
USPP12109P2 US09/534,976 US53497600V USPP12109P2 US PP12109 P2 USPP12109 P2 US PP12109P2 US 53497600 V US53497600 V US 53497600V US PP12109 P2 USPP12109 P2 US PP12109P2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
plant
new
azalea
group
growth
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US09/534,976
Inventor
Robert Edward Lee
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Plant Development Services Inc
Original Assignee
Plant Development Services Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=24132311&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=USPP12109(P2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Plant Development Services Inc filed Critical Plant Development Services Inc
Priority to US09/534,976 priority Critical patent/USPP12109P2/en
Assigned to PLANT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC. reassignment PLANT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, ROBERT EDWARD
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USPP12109P2 publication Critical patent/USPP12109P2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01H—NEW PLANTS OR NON-TRANSGENIC PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES
    • A01H5/00—Angiosperms, i.e. flowering plants, characterised by their plant parts; Angiosperms characterised otherwise than by their botanic taxonomy
    • A01H5/02—Flowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01H—NEW PLANTS OR NON-TRANSGENIC PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES
    • A01H6/00—Angiosperms, i.e. flowering plants, characterised by their botanic taxonomy
    • A01H6/36—Ericaceae, e.g. azalea, cranberry or blueberry
    • A01H6/364—Rhododendron, e.g. Azalea

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of evergreen azalea of the genus Rhododendron and a member of the Ericaceae family.
  • This new azalea variety hereinafter referred to as ‘Conles’, was discovered by Robert Edward Lee of Transcend Nursery in August, 1986 in Independence, La.
  • ‘Conles’ originated from a planned cross hybridization between two selected breeding lines in a controlled breeding program in Independence, La.
  • the value of this new cultivar lies in its unique blooming period, bloom color, bloom form, bloom size, and growth habit.
  • FIG. 1 is a close-up showing flower, foliage, and stem color as well as flower size and form.
  • FIG. 2 shows the dense, upright and globose growth habit of a young three gallon plant.
  • ‘Conles’ The female, or seed parent, of ‘Conles’ is the Azalea ‘Macrantha Pink’; a deep pink, semi-double, late blooming, upright shrub. ‘Macrantha Pink’ is an unpatented cultivar of Rhododendron indicum.
  • Rhododendron oldhamii ‘Fourth of July’ (unpatented) which originated from a R. oldhamii seed lot collected in 1968 by Dr. Hsu of Taiwan University. The seeds were collected at 850 meters elevation on Mount Tai Tun in Taiwan. Soon after this John Patrick of Oakland, Calif. was visiting Taiwan collecting plant material of the Taiwanese Rhododendrons. He obtained a number of seedling from Dr. Hsu and grew them in Oakland, Calif. In 1973, Dr. John T. Thornton of Franklinton, La. obtained one of the Rhododendron seedlings from Mr. Patrick. Dr. Thornton noticed in the next few years that this particular R.
  • oldhamii plant was a perpetual bloomer from late June until frost on new growth. This plant produces two flushes of growth containing flowers. The second flush of growth overlaps the first flush producing a plant which blooms continuously. This differs from the species R. oldhamii which blooms from mid-May until mid-June and sporadically through the summer. Dr. Thornton subsequently named this plant R. oldamii ‘Fourth of July’ in 1972.
  • Robert Edward Lee's hybridization program was conducted with emphasis on species that are not commonly found in the genetic make-up of the present day hybrids.
  • the ‘Fourth of July’ cultivar which Mr. Lee obtained from Dr. Thornton in 1981 is a heavy summer and fall blooming plant, not like the Rhododendron Species Foundation form.
  • Mr. Lee used this cultivar to cross with existing hybrids which have a tendency to bloom in the fall and which are also fairly hardy. As expected the resulting seedlings are heavy summer and fall bloomers with very impressive spring blooms also.
  • Growth rate In a period of six years from a rooted cutting the plant reaches a height of 3 feet and a spread of 2 feet. The growth rate is normally about 6 to 8′′ per year; the plant reaches a height of 4 to 5′ at maturity while maintaining a dense habit due to the abundant branch development.
  • Foliage Alternate, simple, evergreen, pubescent, elliptic to narrowly elliptic, and varying in size from 13 ⁇ 8′′ to 17 ⁇ 8′′ long and 1 ⁇ 2′′ to 7 ⁇ 8′′ wide.
  • the margins are entire, with a petiole 1 ⁇ 8′′ to 1 ⁇ 4′′ long.
  • Midveins and laterals are impressed on the upper leaf surface and prominent on the underside.
  • the base of the leaf is cuneate to attenuate and the apex is acute to mucronate.
  • the upper surface of the immature leaves is dull, pubescent, and is Yellow-Green Group 144A and the underside is Yellow-Green Group 146D, pubescent, and matte.
  • the upper surface of the mature leaves is Yellow-Green Group 147A, dull and slightly pubescent and the underside is Yellow-Green Group 146B, matte, and pubescent.
  • Immature petioles and lower end of the midribs are Greyed-Purple Group 184A and densely clothed with white glandular hairs.
  • the upper end of the immature mid-rib and veins is Yellow-Green Group 146C.
  • New growth is pubescent. These hairs are initially soft and white and cover both sides of the leaf with a higher concentration on the petioles and veins. They are slightly curled, flat, and range in length from ⁇ fraction (1/64) ⁇ ′′ to ⁇ fraction (1/32) ⁇ ′′. As the growth matures much of the leaf pubescence is lost; however, the stems, petioles, and leaf veins retain this pubescence which becomes more setaceous and darker in color (Greyed-Orange Group 167B) through the growing season.
  • the average length of terminal growth of the initial spring flush is about 5′′ for a plant in full sun and about 7′′ when grown in shade. This growth should not be trimmed since it will produce flowers starting in August. As the plant continues to grow through the summer and fall more flower buds are produced, which mature and bloom until frost. This remaining growth produces about 4′′ to 5′′ of height. As cool weather approaches, some of the flower buds become dormant. These buds bloom in April of the next year.
  • the young stems are Greyed-Purple Group 184A and densely clothed with spreading white glandular hairs. As the stems mature they become Yellow-Green Group 152B and by the second growing season they are Greyed-Green Group 197B, glabrous and rugose. The pith is solid and uniform. Young and older stems are densely branched.
  • Buds Tight buds at 1 ⁇ 2′′ are ovate and acuminate Yellow-Green Group 146D with a hairy pubescence Greyed-Orange Group 167B. The buds are borne in clusters of 2 to 3, and are sheathed by a pair of modified leaf bracts which are from 1 ⁇ 4′′ to 1 ⁇ 2′′ long, persistent, and Yellow-Green Group 147A.
  • the pedicel is 1 ⁇ 2′′ to 5 ⁇ 8′′ long, pubescent, and Red-Purple Group 63B.
  • the calyx is ⁇ fraction (3/16) ⁇ ′′ to 1 ⁇ 4′′ long, Yellow-Green Group 144B (both surfaces), funnel shaped, persistent, and pubescent.
  • the five imbricated sepals are lanceolate and joined at the base to form a cup.
  • the buds swell the bud sheath matures to a Greyed-Orange Group 165A, falls off, and reveals the flower color Red-Purple Group 68B.
  • non-petaloid stamens which are 1 ⁇ 2′′ to 1′′ long.
  • the filaments are Red-Purple Group 63B
  • the anthers are Red-Purple Group 59A
  • the 5 to 10 petaloid stamens are from 3 ⁇ 4′′ to 2′′ long, 1 ⁇ 4′′ to 3 ⁇ 4′′ wide, and odd shaped.
  • the margins are entire and the apexes rounded.
  • the uppermost petaloid stamens are dotted Red Group 53B.
  • the pistil is single, non-petaloid, 13 ⁇ 4′′ to 21 ⁇ 4′′ long and Red-Purple Group 61C.
  • the ovary is densely glandular-setose and has five locules.
  • the capsule matures in about 5 months, in Independence, La., to about 1 ⁇ 4′′ to 1 ⁇ 2′′ long; it has a persistent style, is Yellow-Green Group 147A, and contains from 100 to 400 nonwinged seeds. Normally fruit set is not heavy. There is a 2 to 3 week flowering period in April in Independence, La. Flowering resumes in August as the new buds mature and continues until frost which can be as late as November or December in Independence, La. Azaleas blooming at this time of year attract butterfiles in profusion.
  • Pests Lace wing and spider mites can be a problem.

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Azalea plant found as a seedling in a planned cross between the female Azalea ‘Macrantha Pink’ and the male Rhododendron oldhamii ‘Fourth of July’. The new variety possesses a unique blooming time and is superior in development of an upright, dense, globose shaped plant with attractive large semi-double pink flowers.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of evergreen azalea of the genus Rhododendron and a member of the Ericaceae family. This new azalea variety, hereinafter referred to as ‘Conles’, was discovered by Robert Edward Lee of Transcend Nursery in August, 1986 in Independence, La. ‘Conles’ originated from a planned cross hybridization between two selected breeding lines in a controlled breeding program in Independence, La. The value of this new cultivar lies in its unique blooming period, bloom color, bloom form, bloom size, and growth habit.
Asexual propagation of the new plant by cuttings has been under Mr. Lee's direction at the same location. The new plant retains its distinctive characteristics and reproduces true to the type in successive generations. The plant cannot be reproduced true from seed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal horticultural practices in Independence, La.
1. The unique spring, summer, and fall blooming.
2. A pink flower color Red-Purple Group 68B with dotting color Red Group 53B.
3. Large, semi-double flowers ranging in size from 2¼″-2¾″ in diameter.
4. Easily propagated with semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring through the summer.
5. Fast growth rate under normal fertilization and moisture conditions.
6. Upright, dense and globose in nature.
7. Good specimen plant.
8. Desirable in planters.
9. Makes a very good hedge or screen.
10. Very good foundation plant for large buildings.
11. Does well as an understory plant in a woodland garden.
12. Hardy to Zone 7.
13. Attracts butterflies.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This new Azalea Hybrid variety is illustrated by the accompanying photographic prints in which:
1. FIG. 1 is a close-up showing flower, foliage, and stem color as well as flower size and form.
2. FIG. 2 shows the dense, upright and globose growth habit of a young three gallon plant.
The colors shown are as true as is reasonably possible to obtain by conventional photographic procedures. The colors of the various plant parts are defined with reference to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart. Description of colors in ordinary terms are presented where appropriate for clarity in meaning.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT
The following is a detailed description of the new variety of Azalea based on my observations made of 2 year old plants grown in 3 gallon containers in wholesale commercial production practices, in greenhouses, and in established landscape plantings in Independence, La.
Distinctive Characteristics:
R. oldhamii
Charac- ‘Pink ‘Fourth
teristic ‘Conles’ Macrantha’ of July’ R. oldhamii
Height 4-5′ 4-5′  8-10′  8-10′
(Mature)
Width (Mature) 3-4′ 3-4′ 6-7′ 6-7′
Flower 2 ¼-2 ¾ 2-2 ½ 1 ¾-2 ¼ 1 ¾-2 ¼
Diameter
Flower Form Semi-double Semi-double Single Single
Flower Color Red-Purple Red-Purple Red G. 39A Red G. 39A
G. 68B G. 58D
Flowers per 2-3 2-3 2-4 2-4
Terminal
Bloom Period April Mid-May
> Mid-June
Bloom Period August May Early July Sporadic
> Frost > Frost > summer
Petal Number 12-21 10-15 5 5
Hardy Zone 7 7 7 8
Stamen 0-4 0-5  7-10  7-10
Number
Stamen Type Some Some Non-Petaloid Non-Petaloid
Petaloid Petaloid
The female, or seed parent, of ‘Conles’ is the Azalea ‘Macrantha Pink’; a deep pink, semi-double, late blooming, upright shrub. ‘Macrantha Pink’ is an unpatented cultivar of Rhododendron indicum.
The male, or pollen, parent is Rhododendron oldhamii ‘Fourth of July’ (unpatented) which originated from a R. oldhamii seed lot collected in 1968 by Dr. Hsu of Taiwan University. The seeds were collected at 850 meters elevation on Mount Tai Tun in Taiwan. Soon after this John Patrick of Oakland, Calif. was visiting Taiwan collecting plant material of the Taiwanese Rhododendrons. He obtained a number of seedling from Dr. Hsu and grew them in Oakland, Calif. In 1973, Dr. John T. Thornton of Franklinton, La. obtained one of the Rhododendron seedlings from Mr. Patrick. Dr. Thornton noticed in the next few years that this particular R. oldhamii plant was a perpetual bloomer from late June until frost on new growth. This plant produces two flushes of growth containing flowers. The second flush of growth overlaps the first flush producing a plant which blooms continuously. This differs from the species R. oldhamii which blooms from mid-May until mid-June and sporadically through the summer. Dr. Thornton subsequently named this plant R. oldamii ‘Fourth of July’ in 1972.
The azalea ‘Fourth of July’ seems to be hardy to about 10 degrees F. (zone 7). Temperatures below this cause dieback, but the plant readily recovers and blooms profusely the following summer. R oldhamii is less hardy at zone 8.
Robert Edward Lee's hybridization program was conducted with emphasis on species that are not commonly found in the genetic make-up of the present day hybrids. The ‘Fourth of July’ cultivar which Mr. Lee obtained from Dr. Thornton in 1981 is a heavy summer and fall blooming plant, not like the Rhododendron Species Foundation form. The flower buds form on new growth and start blooming about July 1. Mr. Lee used this cultivar to cross with existing hybrids which have a tendency to bloom in the fall and which are also fairly hardy. As expected the resulting seedlings are heavy summer and fall bloomers with very impressive spring blooms also.
Classification:
Botanic.—Rhododendron hybrid ‘Conles’.
Form: Upright, dense, and rounded.
Height.—4-5′.
Width.—3-4′.
Growth habit.—Upright, dense and globose. Fast growth rate under normal fertilization and moisture conditions.
Growth rate.—In a period of six years from a rooted cutting the plant reaches a height of 3 feet and a spread of 2 feet. The growth rate is normally about 6 to 8″ per year; the plant reaches a height of 4 to 5′ at maturity while maintaining a dense habit due to the abundant branch development.
Foliage.—Alternate, simple, evergreen, pubescent, elliptic to narrowly elliptic, and varying in size from 1⅜″ to 1⅞″ long and ½″ to ⅞″ wide. The margins are entire, with a petiole ⅛″ to ¼″ long. Midveins and laterals are impressed on the upper leaf surface and prominent on the underside. The base of the leaf is cuneate to attenuate and the apex is acute to mucronate. The upper surface of the immature leaves is dull, pubescent, and is Yellow-Green Group 144A and the underside is Yellow-Green Group 146D, pubescent, and matte. The upper surface of the mature leaves is Yellow-Green Group 147A, dull and slightly pubescent and the underside is Yellow-Green Group 146B, matte, and pubescent. Immature petioles and lower end of the midribs are Greyed-Purple Group 184A and densely clothed with white glandular hairs. The upper end of the immature mid-rib and veins is Yellow-Green Group 146C. New growth is pubescent. These hairs are initially soft and white and cover both sides of the leaf with a higher concentration on the petioles and veins. They are slightly curled, flat, and range in length from {fraction (1/64)}″ to {fraction (1/32)}″. As the growth matures much of the leaf pubescence is lost; however, the stems, petioles, and leaf veins retain this pubescence which becomes more setaceous and darker in color (Greyed-Orange Group 167B) through the growing season.
In 1994, the date of initial spring growth was March 10, in Independence, La. After the initial spring flush there was almost continuous growth until that fall ending October 23, also in Independence, La. When grown in full sun, the internode length of this plant is ¼″ to ½″; when grown in light shade the internode length is ⅜″ to ⅝″. As would be expected a plant grown in shade results in a taller, less dense plant with larger leaves.
The average length of terminal growth of the initial spring flush is about 5″ for a plant in full sun and about 7″ when grown in shade. This growth should not be trimmed since it will produce flowers starting in August. As the plant continues to grow through the summer and fall more flower buds are produced, which mature and bloom until frost. This remaining growth produces about 4″ to 5″ of height. As cool weather approaches, some of the flower buds become dormant. These buds bloom in April of the next year.
Stems: The young stems are Greyed-Purple Group 184A and densely clothed with spreading white glandular hairs. As the stems mature they become Yellow-Green Group 152B and by the second growing season they are Greyed-Green Group 197B, glabrous and rugose. The pith is solid and uniform. Young and older stems are densely branched.
Buds: Tight buds at ½″ are ovate and acuminate Yellow-Green Group 146D with a hairy pubescence Greyed-Orange Group 167B. The buds are borne in clusters of 2 to 3, and are sheathed by a pair of modified leaf bracts which are from ¼″ to ½″ long, persistent, and Yellow-Green Group 147A. The pedicel is ½″ to ⅝″ long, pubescent, and Red-Purple Group 63B. The calyx is {fraction (3/16)}″ to ¼″ long, Yellow-Green Group 144B (both surfaces), funnel shaped, persistent, and pubescent. The five imbricated sepals are lanceolate and joined at the base to form a cup. As the buds swell the bud sheath matures to a Greyed-Orange Group 165A, falls off, and reveals the flower color Red-Purple Group 68B.
Flowers: Perfect, semi-double, Red-Purple Group 68B (upper surface and undersurface), glabrous, open funnel shaped, 2¼″ to 2¾″ in diameter by 1¾″ to 2¼″ in depth, borne on current season's growth, non-fragrant; they last on the plant in the garden 5 to 6 days. There are five true petals which are fused at the base, elliptic, and have wavy margins. These petals are 1¾″ to 2¼″ long, ⅝″ to ⅞″ wide, and have rounded apexes and entire margins. Three out of five petals are dotted on the upper surface with Red Group 53B. There are 0 to 4 non-petaloid stamens which are ½″ to 1″ long. The filaments are Red-Purple Group 63B, the anthers are Red-Purple Group 59A, and the pollen matures to Yellow Group 11B. The 5 to 10 petaloid stamens are from ¾″ to 2″ long, ¼″ to ¾″ wide, and odd shaped. The margins are entire and the apexes rounded. The uppermost petaloid stamens are dotted Red Group 53B. The pistil is single, non-petaloid, 1¾″ to 2¼″ long and Red-Purple Group 61C. The ovary is densely glandular-setose and has five locules. The capsule matures in about 5 months, in Independence, La., to about ¼″ to ½″ long; it has a persistent style, is Yellow-Green Group 147A, and contains from 100 to 400 nonwinged seeds. Normally fruit set is not heavy. There is a 2 to 3 week flowering period in April in Independence, La. Flowering resumes in August as the new buds mature and continues until frost which can be as late as November or December in Independence, La. Azaleas blooming at this time of year attract butterfiles in profusion.
Culture: Grows well in a wide range of conditions, tolerates sun to shade. Prefers a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Responds well to mulching and medium applications of fertilizer; prefers ph 5.0 to 5.5. Very little pruning is needed; adaptable to container and above ground planters; makes a good foundation plant or informal hedge with excellent foliage and flower contrast. Ideal for coastal regions and warmer parts of Piedmont. Propagated with semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring through the summer.
Pests: Lace wing and spider mites can be a problem.

Claims (1)

I claim:
1. A new and unique variety of Azalea plant named ‘Conles’ as herein shown and described.
US09/534,976 2000-03-27 2000-03-27 Azalea plant named ‘Conles’ Expired - Lifetime USPP12109P2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/534,976 USPP12109P2 (en) 2000-03-27 2000-03-27 Azalea plant named ‘Conles’

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/534,976 USPP12109P2 (en) 2000-03-27 2000-03-27 Azalea plant named ‘Conles’

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USPP12109P2 true USPP12109P2 (en) 2001-10-02

Family

ID=24132311

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/534,976 Expired - Lifetime USPP12109P2 (en) 2000-03-27 2000-03-27 Azalea plant named ‘Conles’

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) USPP12109P2 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USPP10438P (en) Azalea hybrid variety named `Conlea`
USPP16248P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Roblen’
USPP10581P (en) Azalea hybrid variety named `Conleb`
USPP12109P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Conles’
USPP10580P (en) Azalea hybrid `Conlec`
USPP11616P (en) Azalea plant named `JimRonFeyrer`
USPP12142P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Roblea’
USPP10703P (en) Azalea plant named `Conlek`
USPP13681P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Robleb’
USPP12111P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Conlet’
USPP10688P (en) Azalea plant named `Conlej`
USPP12110P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Conler’
USPP10704P (en) Azalea plant named `Conleg`
USPP10689P (en) Azalea plant named `Conlem`
USPP15227P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Robleg’
USPP21983P2 (en) Gardenia jasminoides plant named ‘Leeone’
USPP10567P (en) Azalea hybrid variety named `Conlee`
USPP10702P (en) Azalea plant named `Conlei`
USPP33598P3 (en) Geum plant named ‘MACGEU005’
USPP15043P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Roblem’
USPP16184P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Roblef’
USPP11628P (en) Azalea plant named `Conlen`
USPP15077P2 (en) Genus species Rhododendron hybrid varietal denomination ‘Roblee’
USPP11640P (en) Azalea plant named `Conleo`
USPP16278P2 (en) Azalea plant named ‘Roblel’

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PLANT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC., ALABAMA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEE, ROBERT EDWARD;REEL/FRAME:010669/0842

Effective date: 20000321