Azalea plant named ‘First Place’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Azalea plant named ‘First Place’, characterized by its very glossy dark green leaves that do not abscise during the cooling and forcing periods; dense and outwardly spreading plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; rapid flowering after forcing; numerous large and showy reddish purple-colored flowers; hose-in-hose to semi-double hose-in-hose flower form; excellent postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good flower substance for more than four weeks in an interior environment; and very low incidence of infection with Cylindrocladium in inoculated trials.

It is claimed:  
     
       1. A new and distinct Azalea plant named ‘First Place’, as illustrated and described.