Christine Siena

Azalea

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Christine Magic'

Summary: The margin and middle zone of the upper side of the corolla lobe of 'Christine Siena' are darker and more pink red than those of 'Christine Magic' which are red.

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 to medium number of flowers, short to medium length pedicel
FLOWER: small to medium diameter, open funnel-shaped, absent or very weak fragrance, double type corolla, many petals, calyx with absent or very weak transformation of sepals to petals
COROLLA LOBE: dark pink red margin on upper side, dark pink red middle zone on upper and lower sides, weak to medium undulation of margin
COROLLA THROAT: medium to strong conspicuousness of red (RHS 47B) spots, lighter colour when compared to middle zone of upper side of corolla lobe
TIME OF FLOWERING: begins mid-season

Origin & Breeding History: 'Christine Siena' was discovered as a branch mutation in 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. It was selected for its dark shiny leaves and its long lasting, semi-double to double red flowers.

Tests & Trials: The detailed description of 'Christine Siena' is based on the UPOV report of Technical Examination, CPVO reference number 20042028, grant number 21072. 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 Siena' with reference variety 'Christine Magic'

Corolla lobe colour (RHS)

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Azalea: 'Christine Siena'