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Heath plant named Rosemarie |
| PP7536 |
Heath plant named Rosemarie
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| Patent Drawings: | |
| Inventor: |
Imazio |
| Date Issued: |
May 28, 1991 |
| Application: |
07/447,261 |
| Filed: |
December 7, 1989 |
| Inventors: |
Imazio; Bruno L. (Watsonville, CA)
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| Assignee: |
Bay City Flower Co. (Half Moon Bay, CA) |
| Primary Examiner: |
Locker; Howard J. |
| Assistant Examiner: |
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| Attorney Or Agent: |
Cypher; James R. |
| U.S. Class: |
PLT/231 |
| Field Of Search: |
Plt/54 |
| International Class: |
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| U.S Patent Documents: |
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| Foreign Patent Documents: |
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| Other References: |
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| Abstract: |
The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of heath named `Rosemarie`, a seedling of unknown pollen parent growing in a field of Erica persolute `Sunset`, the variety believed to be the seed parent, which is principally distinguished from its parents and other known related varieties by its light, orchid pink colored blooms, early bloom time of December through February, its slower growth rate, its shorter height, and its natural abundant branching. |
| Claim: |
I claim:
1. A new and distinct hybrid plant variety of the Ericaceae family substantially as herein show and described. |
| Description: |
BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION
This invention relates to a new and distinct plant variety of the Ericaceae family which has been named Erica persoluta `Rosemarie` by the assignee of the invention. This new heath variety was discovered by the inventor as a seedling of unknownpollen parentage growing in a cultivated field of Erica persoluta and Erica persoluta `Sunset`, (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,336), the cut-flower variety believed to be the seed parent. It was noticed because of its light, orchid pink colored blooms; andthe following characteristics making it desirable for pot plant culture: slower growth rate, shorter height by at least one foot compared to the field, cut flower heath varieties, natural abundant branching and compact dense appearance. The new varietyresembles its seed parent Erica persoluta `Sunset` in its blooming habit from December through February.
The new variety is desirable for potted plant culture because of its slower growth rate and natural branching with little or no prunning which results in a shorter plant with a full, dense appearance. The closest variety of heath, cultivated asa pot plant of which I am aware, is Erica persolutaand it requires numerous pruning to achieve abundant branching and the desired full, dense appearance.
The distinguishing charcteristics which are outstanding in my new variety and which distinguish it from Erica persoluta are:
1. early bloom time of December through February,
2. light, orchid pink colored blooms,
3. slower growth rate and shorter height
4. natural abundant branching with minimal pruning, and
5. compact, dense appearance.
Since the inventor's discovery of the new plant, the assignee, under the supervision of the inventor has reproduced it through successive generations by means of cuttings and has found that its natural dense and compact appearance and light,orchid pink colored blooms remain true from generation to generation and appear to be firmly fixed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawing is a color photograph of a potted plant of the new variety illustrating the overall appearance and form of the plant, abundant branching, short height dense compact appearance and light, orchid pink blooms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The following is a detailed description of the new variety with color designations according to the R.H.S. colour chart published by The Royal Horticultural Society of London, England. The following description is based on observations of wellfertilized plants of 12 to 14 months of age from initial propagation which were grown outside under saran in a commercial nursery in Half Moon Bay, Calif., where tempertures average from 55 to 65 degrees F. during the summer months, and 45 to 55 degreesF. during the winter months.
Color designation and other values stated may deviate slightly from the stated values from flowering to flowering, but the deviations will be within the range expected from varying environmental, seasonal, and cultural conditions.
THE PLANT
Origin: Seedling.
Parentage:
Seed parent.--Erica persoluta `Sunset`.
Pollen parent.--Unknown.
Classification:
Botanic.--Erica persoluta Rosemarie`.
Commercial.--`Rosemarie`.
Form: Perennial.
Shape: Generally upright, stems spreading to proudce fullness of plant.
Branching: Naturally abundant with minimal or no pruning.
Growth: Slow growth rate resulting in reduced height of plant.
Rooting Time: Three Weeks.
Foliage: Abundant, with tiny needle-like leaves over entire plant.
Size of leaf.--Mean 1/8 long and less than 1/16" "wide".
Shape of leaf.--Acerose like.
Character.--Sulcate.
Color.--R.H.S. 144A.
Texture.13 Smooth.
Hardiness.--Can tolerate a temperature range of 20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Disease resistance.--Considerable resistance to fungus type diseases. Common diseases include phythium and phytopthora.
Seed production.--Sparce; comercially produced asexually by cuttings.
Effects of weather.--Can tolerate freezing temperatures for one week. Over 90 degree F. temperatures stress the plant.
In general, the foliage is too tiny to determine further characteristics by plant observation.
THE BUD
Size:
Length.--1/16".
Diameter.--1/16" and less.
Rate of opening: Rapid, progessive and continouous beginning at the base of stem and progressing to the tip of the stem.
Petals: Corolline flowers in which the sepals are relatively insignificant.
Color: R.H.S. 70D in early, beginning stage to 70C in the late stage before flowering.
INFLORESCENCE
Blooming habit: Annually, beginning in December and continuing through February.
Size of bloom: 1/8 by 1/16".
Borne: Compound raceme and has clusters with as many as seven terminal buds.
Shape: Urecolate.
Appearance: Satiny.
Color: R.H.S. 66D in overall appearance of the plant.
Flower stem:
Length..sub.[Mean 1/4" to 2".
Color.--R.H.S. 177D.
Strength.--Woody and supple.
Discoloration: Fades slightly.
Effects of weather: Prolonged exposure to hot or wet weather is detrimental to plant appearance. Extended periods of hot dry sunshine will accelerate blooming and cause blooms to fade and decline more quickly, shortening its lasting quality. Extended wet weather will cause more mature blooms in the clusters to turn brown.
Persistence: Blooms persists long after the stem ceases to draw water.
Fragrance: Mild.
Lasting quality:
On plant.--2 months.
As a cut flower.--two weeks.
The outstanding characteristics of this new plant resides in its slow growth rate and abundant branching giving it a full, dense appearance making it desirable as a potted plant; its light, orchid pink colored blooms and its early blooming inDecember through February for the Valentines Day market, whereas Erica persoluta does not begin to bloom until March.
______________________________________ TABLE OF COMPARISON ERICA PLANT NEW CULTIVAR PERSOLUTA ______________________________________ Form Short Dense appearing woody shrub compact woody shrub Shape Upright, stems Upright, stems spreadingto produce spreading to fullness of plant produce fullness of plant Branching Generous, minimal or several no pruning necessary pruning necessary to encourage branching and fullness Growth Naturally upright bat upright with woody short andbranching flexible strength with woody, flexible strength Height a 4" pot will be 8" a 4" pot will be 10" to 9" high in 18 months to 12" high in 18 growing time with little months growing time or no pruning with numerous prunings BloomingAnnual, Dec. thru Feb. Annual, early season March thru late Mar. Foliage Color R.H.S. 144A R.H.S. 143A with 59A streaking thru the leaves Size 1/8" Same Shape Acerose like Same Quantity Abundant Same Bloom Size 1/8" .times. 1/16" 3/16".times. 1/16" Borne In clusters with Same terminal flowers Shape Urceolate Ovoid Color R.H.S. 66D R.H.S. 70A to 70B Discoloration Fades slightly Does not fade ______________________________________
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