Abelia plant named ‘Mardi Gras’

Details Abelia plant named ‘Mardi Gras’ Abelia plant named ‘Mardi Gras’

2003-12-29

2004-10-05

Bell, Kent (Department: 1661)

Plants

Shrub or vine

Plant Patent

active

PP015203

ABSTRACT:

Genus, species:
Abelia grandiflora×chinensis.
Varietal denomination: ‘Mardi Gras’.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of
Abelia
grown as an ornamental for use in the landscape. The new cultivar is known botanically as
Abelia grandiflora×chinensis
and will be referred to hereinafter by the cultivar name ‘Mardi Gras’.
‘Mardi Gras’ was discovered as a naturally occurring branch sport on an individual
Abelia grandiflora×chinensis
found in a crop of
Abelia grandiflora×chinensis.
The inventor discovered the sport in a cultivated area of North Carolina in the United States. ‘Mardi Gras’ was selected for its green, white and pink variegated foliage. The crop of
Abelia grandiflora×chinensis
was part of a breeding program designed to cross hybridize
Abelia grandiflora
and
Abelia chinensis.
The parent of ‘Mardi Gras’ is
Abelia grandiflora×Abelia chinensis
#9 (unpatented), and exhibits green foliage. ‘Mardi Gras’ is distinguishable from the parent by pronounced variegated foliage.
‘Mardi Gras’ is a compact, low-growing shrub with variegated foliage that exhibits pink coloring on the young leaves, pink-white flowers, and red-bronze stems. The traits that characterize ‘Mardi Gras’ as a distinct and unique variety are variegated foliage, compact form, and low-growing habit.
The two closest comparison plants are
Abelia
‘Sunrise’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,698) and
Abelia
‘Conti’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,472). ‘Mardi Gras’ is distinguishable from the comparison plants by slightly larger leaves, pronounced variegation of the leaves, and prominent pink coloring of the young leaves. It is the first and only variegated form of
Abelia grandiflora×chinensis
cross known to the inventor.
‘Mardi Gras’ was first asexually propagated by the inventor in North Carolina in 2000. Asexual propagation was accomplished using softwood cuttings. Since that time, under careful observation, the distinguishing characteristics have been determined stable and uniform in successive generations. The new plant reproduces true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following represent the distinguishing characteristics of the new
Abelia
cultivar ‘Mardi Gras’. In combination these traits set ‘Mardi Gras’ apart from all other existing varieties of
Abelia
known to the inventor. ‘Mardi Gras’ has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions, however, without any variance in genotype.
1.
Abelia
‘Mardi Gras’ exhibits pronounced green and white variegated foliage, and additional pink coloring of the young leaves.
2.
Abelia
‘Mardi Gras’ is 60-75 cm. in height and 120-150 cm. in width at maturity.
3.
Abelia
‘Mardi Gras’ exhibits pink-white flowers.
4.
Abelia
‘Mardi Gras’ exhibits a compact low-growing habit.
5.
Abelia
‘Mardi Gras’ is suitable for use as a foundation plant or for mass planting in the landscape.
6.
Abelia
‘Mardi Gras’ performs well in loam and clay soils.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Abelia plant named ‘Mardi Gras’ does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Abelia plant named ‘Mardi Gras’, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Abelia plant named ‘Mardi Gras’ will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3271602