Christine Belli

Azalea

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Christine Magic'

Summary: The upper side of the corolla lobe of 'Christine Belli' has a white margin and middle zone while that of 'Christine Magic' has a red margin and red pink middle zone.

Description:

YOUNG LEAF: medium green upper side
MATURE LEAF: medium length, narrow, slightly obovate, dark green upper side, medium green lower side, mucronate apex

INFLORESCENCE: few flowers, long pedicel
FLOWER: small to medium diameter, open funnel-shaped, absent or very weak fragrance, double type corolla, medium to many petals, calyx with absent or very weak transformation of sepals to petals
COROLLA LOBE: white margin on upper side, white middle zone on upper and lower sides, weak to medium undulation of margin
COROLLA THROAT: absent or very weakly conspicuous light yellow brown (RHS 160C) spots, same colour when compared to middle zone of upper side of corolla lobe
ANTHER: brown
PISTIL: same length as stamens
TIME OF FLOWERING: begins mid-season

Origin & Breeding History: 'Christine Belli' was discovered as a branch mutation in March of 2000 in Moerbeke, Belgium during the conduct of a breeding program with the purpose of developing new Rhododendron varieties with interesting and unique flower and foliage colours and long flower longevity.

Tests & Trials: The detailed description of 'Christine Belli' is based on the UPOV report of Technical Examination, CPVO reference number 20042027, grant number 21071. The trials were conducted by the Bundessortenamt, in Bad Zwischenahn/Rethmar, Germany in 2006. Colour determinations were made using the 2001 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Colour Chart.

Comparison table for 'Christine Belli' with reference variety 'Christine Magic'

Corolla lobe colour (RHS)

Click on image for larger view

Azalea: 'Christine Belli'