USPP3211P - fortvnei shrub - Google Patents

Description

June 20, 1972 HANCOCK Plant Pat. 3,211

EUONYMUS FORTUNEI SHRUB Filed Oct. 12, 1970 3,211 EUONYMUS FORTUNEI SHRUB M. Leslie Hancock, Cooksville, Ontario, Canada, assignor to Monrovia Nursery Company Filed Oct. 12, 1970, Ser. No. 80,255 Int. Cl. A01h 5/00 U.S. Cl. Plt.63 1 Claim The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of the genus Euonymus, characterized as to novelty by its variegated foliage, its compact habit of growth, its ability to retain its foliage at temperatures of 20 degrees below zero, and its general usefulness as a foundation shrub in landscaping.

I first discovered the plant in August 1960, when it appeared as a sport among several Euonymus fortunei Sarcoxie.

All present plants have been reproduced asexually from the original plant of August 1960. The plant has been asexually reproduced by me by means of cuttings. Cuttings have been taken from the original plant and all subsequent propagation has been from plants grown from these cuttings. All descendants have shown the same characteristics as the original plant, indicating that the new variety is thereby well established. The plant does not produce true from seed.

The new variety does not resemble its parent, but has a more compact growth and more variation in green and yellow foliage coloration.

A plant of the new variety, and an enlarged close-up view of some branches thereof, are shown in full color in the accompanying illustration.

A detail description of the new variety follows, and to facilitate identification of the important colors, the color terminology adopted by the British Horticultural Colour Charts has been followed.

Plant Pat. 3,211 Patented June 20, 1972 The plant Parentage: The plant first appeared as a sport of Euonymus fortunei Sarcoxie, a non-patented variety.

Growth habit: The shrub exhibits a low growing compact habit with trailing branches. The branches will form rootlets and thus allow the plant to be trained along Walls or other upright structures. The trailing branches will form a mat of from twelve to eighteen inches high.

Branches: The branches are basically upright and spreading, with lateral spreading branches developing adventitious roots. The young branches are scabrous and light green in appearance, with bark appearing dark green on the older wood. The plant does not develop a single stem. The branching is opopsite.

Foliage: The foliage is of fine texture, glossy, evergreen, and opposite. The mature leaves are 1 /8 to 1 /2 inches long and to 1 inch wide, broadly ovate to elliptical, and crenate, with broadly acute apices and obtuse bases. Petioles are A; to 7 inches long. The leaves are dark green (Spinach Green 0960/1) with variegated margins of gold (Aureolin 3/1) and silver (Barium Yellow 503/1). Some leaves also appear entirely green or yellow. The undersides of the new mature leaves appear Spinach Green 0960/2.

I claim:

1. A new and distinct variety of Euonymus fortunei characterized by its compact growth and unusual range of foliage coloration, and by hardiness at below-freezing temperatures superior to plants most closely related to it.

No references cited.

ROBERT W. BAGWILL, Primary Examiner

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