Rhododendron plant named `Northern Starburst`

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Rhododendron plant which was produced upon exposure to colchicine during tissue culture is provided. The parent of the new variety was an unregistered and unpatented Rhododendron selection available from Briggs Nursery, Inc. under the `PJM Compact Form` designation. Unlike the parent variety, the new variety is a tetraploid, forms leaves that are heavier in substance, forms thicker stems, and forms substantially larger vivid blossoms of varying shades of lavender/pink that are somewhat lighter in coloration. The new variety continues to exhibit an attractive compact growth habit and is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Rhododendron dauricum sempervirens×Rhododendron carolinianum plant characterized particularly as to novelty by the following combination of characteristics: (a) is a tetraploid;   (b) forms leaves that are heavier in substance than those of `PJM Compact Form` (non-patented in the United States).   (c) forms thicker stems than `PJM Compact Form`,   (d) forms substantially larger blossoms than `PJM Compact Form` that are of varying shades of lavender/pink and are somewhat lighter in coloration, and   (e) exhibits an attractive compact dense upright spreading growth habit; substantially as illustrated and described.