A new and distinct Angelonia cultivar named ‘DALON11’ is disclosed, characterized by large indigo colored flowers. The new variety is free branching and flowering with upright plant habit and good garden performance. The new variety is an Angelonia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Latin name of the genus and species:Angelonia angustifloria.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The newAngeloniacultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Gavriel Danziger, in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The objective of the breeding program was to produce newAngeloniavarieties for ornamental commercial applications. The cross resulting in this new variety was made during April of 2009.

The seed parent is the unpatented, proprietary seedling variety referred to asAngelonia angustifloria‘AL-497’ The pollen parent is the unpatented, proprietary seedling variety referred to asAngelonia angustifloria‘AL-511’. The new variety was discovered in October of 2010 by the inventor in a group of seedlings resulting from the 2009 crossing, in a research greenhouse in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar was performed by vegetative cuttings. This was first performed at a research greenhouse in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel in October of 2010 and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘DALON11’ These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘DALON11’ as a new and distinctAngeloniacultivar:1. Upright plant habit.2. Freely branching habit.3. Freely flowering habit.4. Large indigo colored flowers.5. Good garden performance.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘DALON11’ are similar to plants of the seed parent,Angelonia angustifloria‘AL-497’ in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘DALON11’ produces a plant with a larger flower size than the seed parent. ‘DALON11’ also has a darker flower color than the seed parent.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘DALON11’ are similar to plants of the pollen parent;Angelonia angustifloria‘AL-511’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘DALON11’ produce smaller flowers as well as a less vigorous growth habit than the pollen parent.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘DALON11’ are comparable to the varietyAngelonia‘Alonia Dark Blue’ unpatented. The twoAngeloniavarieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however, the new variety ‘DALON11’ differs in producing larger and darker flowers as well as more vigorous growth than the comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘DALON11’ can also be compared to the commercial varietyAngelonia‘DALON9’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,912. These varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however ‘DALON11’ produces a darker flower color as well as being more branched in growth habit than ‘DALON9’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Mini Colour Chart 2005 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘DALON11’ plants grown outdoors during, Spring, Summer, and Autumn in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The growing temperature ranged from 20° C. to 30° C. during the day and from 15° C. to 25° C. during the night. General light conditions are bright, normal sunlight. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types.Botanical classification:Angelonia angustifloria‘DALON11’.

PROPAGATION

Time to initiate roots: About 10 to 15 days at approximately 22° C.Root description: Branched.

PLANT

FOLIAGE

FLOWER

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Seeds and fruits: If present, capsule 0.5 cm long with 50-75 seeds.Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests ofAngeloniahave been observed. Pests common toAngeloniainclude Aphids and thrips. Typical diseases areBotrytisandPythium.Temperature tolerance: 5-40° C.