Rhododenron Plant named KURAANGEL

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of plant named Kuraangel. 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 Kuraangel were taken during the 2007 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 Wedding Bouquet, and the male parent Purple Splendor. [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 approximately 40-50 cm and a width of 30 cm. [0020] Habit.Vigorous and compact. [0021] Foliage: [0022] Type.Evergreen flowering shrub, simple semi-glossy lanceolate leaves with acute apex, and obtuse margins. [0023] Size.Mature leaves growing midway up the stem commonly are approximately 12 cm in length and approximately 3.5 cm in width. [0024] Color.RHS color chart NN137B on the upper surface, and RHS color chart 143C on the under surface. [0025] Branches: [0026] Color.One-year old wood RHS color chart 143C. [0027] Flowers: [0028] Period.Blooms approximately April 15 in the evening when cultured at Anoucho, Tsu-shi, Mie-ken, Japan. [0029] Truss shape.Generally a sphere. [0030] Truss size.Approximately 15 cm diameter, and approximately 15 cm in height. [0031] Corolla per truss.Approximately 12. [0032] Corolla shape.Open funnel shape. [0033] Corolla size.Approximately 10 cm in length, 10 cm in width, and 7 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.One color on the surface of the corolla lobe. The surface of the corolla lobe is light purple (RHS color chart N75B). Strong, independent 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, Kuraangel is resistant to root rot because it is resistant to high temperatures.