Rhododenron plant named Triton

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of plant named Triton. The variety is botanically identified as Rhododendron L. The new variety is distinguished from other varieties by a number of properties, including but not limited to, corolla lobe color.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Rhododendron L. plant, substantially as shown and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety, including foliage and flowers, in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in color illustrations of these characteristics.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates the upper side of the flowers and the plant;

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a full view of the cultivation area showing the leaves of the plant;

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up of the flower;

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up of the dissected flower; and

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates, for comparison, the upper side of Mrs. Fujii.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

[0012] The following detailed description of the new variety is based upon observations taken of plants grown in Anoucho, Tsu-shi, Mie-ken, Japan. Observations of Triton were taken during the 2015 growing season.

[0013] In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. [0014] Botanical classification: Rhododendrum L. [0015] Principle use: Flowering shrub for potted plant and open-field cultivation. [0016] Parentage: The female parent is Stardust, and the male parent Pink Ice. [0017] Propagation: The new variety was propagated using tissue cultures. Growth points were collected from lateral buds of shoots, and cultivation and growth were performed without using calli. [0018] Plant: [0019] Size.At 3 years of age, plants of the new variety commonly exhibit a height of about 40-50 cm and a width of about 30 cm. [0020] Habit.Vigorous and compact. [0021] Foliage: [0022] Type.Evergreen flowering shrub, simple semi-glossy lanceolate leaves with acute apex, and entire margins. [0023] Size.Mature leaves growing midway up the stem commonly are approximately 14 cm in length and approximately 6 cm in width. [0024] Color.RHS color chart NN137A on the upper surface, and RHS color chart 143C on the under surface. [0025] Branches: [0026] Color.One-year old wood RHS color chart 173A. [0027] Flowers: [0028] Period.Blooms approximately April 1 in the evening when cultured at Anoucho, Tsu-shi, Mie-ken, Japan. [0029] Truss shape.Generally a sphere. [0030] Truss size.Approximately 18 cm diameter, and approximately 18 cm in height. [0031] Corolla per truss.Approximately 20. [0032] Corolla shape.Open funnel shape. [0033] Corolla size.Approximately 8 cm in length, 8 cm in width, and 6 cm in thickness. [0034] Number of lobes.Five lobes per floret. [0035] Margin of lobes.Wavy to frilly. [0036] Fragrance.None. [0037] Calyx size.Approximately 2 millimeters (mm) in length. [0038] Color.Two colors on the surface of the corolla lobe. The principle color on the surface of the corolla lobe is dark purplish pink (RHS color chart N74C). The secondary color on the surface of the corolla lobe is very pale purple (RHS color chart 76C). No spots are present on the throat of the corolla lobe. [0039] Winter hardiness: Has survived winters with temperatures as low as 3 C. in Anoucho, Tsu-shi, Mie-ken, Japan. [0040] Disease resistance: During observations to date, the foliage has been disease resistant. Although generally, Rhododendron L. plants are prone to root rot disease, which tends to occur in in high temperatures, Triton is resistant to root rot because it is resistant to high temperatures.