Juniper Borlyn

Abstract

`Borlyn` differs from its parent `Old Gold` and other related varieties primarily in having more yellow-gold coloration which is less seasonally affected.

Description

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of ornamental evergreen plant of the species Juniperus chinensis.

The outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new variety of plant are the vivid color, which changes slightly with colder weather. The bright golden yellow color dominates the plant so as to give the appearance of a golden cushion with the green leaves substantially hidden underneath. The yellow color tends to dominate all branches which receive full sun. Even when the branches are turned over, the yellow on the upper areas extends beyond the green areas or leaves.

The plant exhibits a relatively fast and vigorous growth to a width of approximately six (6) feet and a height of approximately three (3) feet but maintains its natural compactness of body with little trimming. The plant has a broad, full, well-filled shape which maintains its color and vitality and grows close to the ground.

This unique and distinct coloring is constant, and has been observed on all plants grown from cuttings taken for a period of several years. More than one thousand three hundred (1300) plants have been asexually reproduced since the discovery of the original and all retain the superior qualities enumerated above, while the noted coloring is always present.

This plant originated as a sport of the species Juniperus chinensis "Old Gold". It was found growing as a whole plant among a bed of cultivated "Old Gold" Junipers in Orange County, Calif. All plants have the same uniform growth and colors mentioned above.

The new variety is disclosed in the accompanying color photographic illustrations, in which:

FIG. 1 is a photograph of an actual evergreen plant which illustrates the general shape and color of the plant

FIG. 2 is another photograph of the actual plant and illustrates the shape, color and compactness of the plant

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a portion of the specimen depicted in FIG. 1 and illustrates the color, especially at the ends of the branches.

The coloring in the photographs is approximately natural insofar as it is possible to reproduce.

The foliage extending outwardly from brown-green branches is substantially the same texture and size of evergreen plants of Juniperus chinensis but the compact growth and full base and body present a more solid appearance throughout all seasons. The leaves tend to be relatively flat and alternate, while the branches tend to spread. The yellow color is carried approximately 10 to 12 inches from the tips of the branches. The leaves also tend to be relatively softer and longer than the leaves of the "Old Gold" plant.

The plant illustrated is one of over four hundred (400) growing in five gallon containers. All plants have the same uniform growth and color as mentioned and hereafter claimed. The temperature range for this shrub should be the same as its parent, viz. Zone 5 of the U.S.D.A. hardiness map or -20.degree. to +110.degree. F. The color is only slightly affected by changes in temperature. Rain, snow or other elements do not appear to alter the appearance or growth of the plants.

More specifically, this new variety of evergreen plant is described as follows, color designations being as found in "The Royal Horticulture Colour Chart."

General characteristics: Spreading; dense; compact; hardy; relatively fast growing.

Colors: 143C Scheeles Green to 10A Barium Yellow.

Trunk: Crooked; smooth surface texture; color -- 200A.

Branches: Spreading or arching outward; color -- 200D.

Leaves: Scale-leaves acute; needle-leaves acute; both entire.

Flowers: None observed to date.

The following chart gives a comparison of the most distinguishing characteristics of the parent plant `Old Gold` and the plant `Borlyn`:

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     `OLD GOLD`         `Borlyn`                                               

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     Plant grows rounder                                                       

                        Plant grows flatter                                    

     Width = 5'         Width = 6'                                             

     Heighth = 3'       Heighth = 3'                                           

     Vigor = Slow growing                                                      

                        Vigor = Faster and more                                

                        vigorous                                               

     Coloration = There is less                                                

                        Coloration = Because                                   

     yellow foliage. Therefore,                                                

                        there is so much                                       

     green is more apparent. In                                                

                        yellow on top, the                                     

     turning branches over,                                                    

                        green is hidden                                        

     little if any yellow is                                                   

                        underneath. In                                         

     noticed. Yellow and green                                                 

                        turning branches over,                                 

     are mixed even if full sun.                                               

                        the yellow on the                                      

     The yellow is carried 3-6"                                                

                        upper areas extends                                    

     along the branch.  beyond the green. The                                  

                        yellow is more                                         

                        dominant on all                                        

                        branches in full sun.                                  

                        The yellow is carried                                  

                        10-12" along the                                       

                        branches.                                              

     Yellow leaves 153 D -                                                     

                        Yellow leaves 10 A -                                   

     (pale white-yellow)                                                       

                        (deep golden yellow)                                   

     Green leaves 138 B Green leaves 143 C                                     

     Branching = open and spiney                                               

                        Branching = fine and                                   

                        lacey                                                  

     Leaf characteristics = Leaves                                             

                        Leaf characteristics =                                 

     alternate and branches are                                                

                        Leaves are flatter and                                 

     fuller. Leaves are stiffer                                                

                        alternate. Branches                                    

     and more compressed.                                                      

                        are spreading. Leaves                                  

                        are softer and longer                                  

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Claims

1. The new and distinct variety of evergreen plant as described and illustrated, characterized by its relatively fast growth and its foliage being predominantly golden yellow in color at the tips thereof and extending along the branches thereof, and ranging to a relatively dark green near the zone of juncture with the supporting branches, giving the entire plant a bright color throughout its body with a relatively fine, lacy and dense growth habit; its ability to withstand temperature changes with only slight alteration in color; its compact body and broad full base growing very close to the ground and remaining vital and true as to color throughout said base.