Patent Grant
PP19899
Genus species: Rhododendron hybrid.
Varietal denomination: ‘Robleo’.
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 ‘Robleo’, was discovered by Robert Edward Lee in July, 2002 in Independence, La. ‘Robleo’ originated as a naturally occurring branch sport of Azalea hybrid ‘Conleo’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,640 while it was being grown 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 type in successive generations. The plant cannot be reproduced true from seed.
The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal horticultural practices in Independence, La.
This new Azalea hybrid variety is illustrated by the accompanying photographic prints in which:
The colors shown are as true as is reasonably possible to obtain by conventional photographic procedures. Colors in the photographs may appear different than actual colors due to light reflectance. The colors of the various plant parts are defined with reference to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart. Description of colors in ordinary terms is presented where appropriate for clarity in meaning.
The following is a detailed description of the new variety of Azalea based on my observations made of two year old plants grown in three gallon containers in wholesale commercial production practices, in greenhouses, and in established landscape plantings in Independence, La.
Distinctive Characteristics:
R. oldhamii
‘Robleo’ originated as a branch sport of Azalea hybrid ‘Conleo’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,640 which was the result of Mr. Lee's planned cross hybridization between the Azalea ‘May Blaine’ (unpatented) and Rhododendron oldhamii ‘Fourth of July’ (unpatented). The new variety differs from ‘Conleo’ in its flower color which is Red Group 55D to White Group 155D rather than Red Group 44D.
Mr. 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 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 14. 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.
In 2005, the date of initial spring growth was March 8, in Independence, La. After the initial spring flush there was almost continuous growth until that fall ending October 25, also in Independence, La. When grown in full sun, the internode length of this plant is 3/16″ 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 6″ for a plant in full sun and about 8″ when grown in shade. This growth should not be trimmed since it will produce flowers starting in mid July. As the plant continues to growth through the summer and fall more flower buds are produced, which mature and bloom until frost. This remaining growth produces about 5″ to 6″ of height. As cool weather approaches, some of the flower buds become dormant. These buds bloom in April of the next year.
