Julonso Azalea Semi-Dwarf Growth and Foliage Color Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a new, distinct variety of evergreen azalea that offers unique foliage coloration and a semi-dwarf growth habit, which is easily propagated and suitable for container gardens and confined landscape areas, as existing azalea varieties lack these specific characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The development of the 'Julonso' azalea variety, which is a naturally occurring branch sport of 'Crimson Queen' with stable, unique coloration and semi-dwarf growth habit, achieved through several generations of asexual propagation using rooting cuttings, resulting in a compact, densely foliated plant with intense crimson-green foliage and red-purple flowers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard azalea varieties are used, then established cultivars are available, but they lack unique foliage coloration and semi-dwarf growth habit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique foliage coloration and growth habitVSAvoidpropagation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a branch sport mutation that exhibits altered foliar pigmentation parameters (intense crimson coloration) and growth parameters (semi-dwarf habit). This natural mutation provides the unique characteristics without requiring complex genetic engineering, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving unique traits and maintaining ease of propagation through conventional cutting methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If large azalea plants are produced, then full growth potential is achieved, but they require more space and longer propagation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth rateVSAvoidplant height

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-dwarf growth habit represents a parameter change in the plant's growth characteristics. This naturally occurring mutation results in a plant that achieves maturity at a smaller size (3-4 feet tall) compared to standard azaleas, while maintaining vigorous growth rate and productivity. The contradiction is resolved by selecting this mutant phenotype that inherently combines fast growth with compact size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If intense foliage coloration is achieved, then ornamental value is increased, but color stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage color intensityVSAvoidcolor consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The intense crimson foliar pigmentation is maintained through true-to-type asexual propagation by cuttings. The plant essentially serves itself by reproducing its unique color characteristics naturally through vegetative propagation, ensuring color stability across generations without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both intensity and consistency through the plant's own propagation mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUSPP25306P2<i>Rhododendron indicum </i>plant named ‘Julonso’

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 ODOM RICHARD G

AI summary

A new and distinct variety of semi-dwarf azalea originated from a branch sport of ‘Crimson Queen’. The new variety possesses a unique blush red foliage (185A-B, greyed-purple group), on new growth while the older leaves approximate N189-A & -B, Grayed-Green Group.