Ilex plant variety named "Mondo"

Abstract

A new and distinct Ilex plant variety having dwarf, compact growth habit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Ilex which was discovered as a mutation in a controlled planting of the Ilex variety `Blue Boy`, U.S. Pat. No. P.P. 2,435, in Azusa, Calif. The varietal denomination of the new variety is `Mondo`.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new variety is distinguished from its parent and other known commercial varieties of which I am aware in its growth habit and foliage. It differs from its parent `Blue Boy` in having a more compact, dwarf growth habit, shorter and more numerous and regular branching pattern, numerous leaves which are about one half the size of its parent or smaller densely arranged along the stem. In addition, the foliage of the new variey exhibits a brighter green leaf color for mature leaves, and a lighter and more uniform Winter leaf color. Flower clusters are not prominent in the Winter season.

Asexual reproduction by vegetative cuttings and microproagation in Azusa, Calif., has confirmed that the combination of characteristics of the new variety as herein disclosed are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The new variety of Ilex is illustrated in the accompanying illustration which shows typical plant characteristics and stems of `Mondo` as compared to its parent `Blue Boy`, with colors being as nearly true as is possible for illustrations of this type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of the new cultivar of Ilex as observed in Azusa, Calif. in the months of May and February. The color designations indicated are in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart by color plant designations. Phenotype expression may vary with variations in environment such as temperature, light, intensity, day length, growing and cultural conditions.

Botanical classification: Ilex (Holly).

Origin: Mutation of Ilex `Blue Boy`.

PLANT

A. Form: Dwarf, compact, rounded, evergreen shrub, about 3 feet high and wide.

B. Growth: Uniform and freely branching, slow growing.

C. Foliage:

Size.--Length: About 3/4 to 11/4 inches. Width: About 1/2 to 1 inch.

Quantity.--Abundant, densely spaced about 1/4 inch apart along stem.

Color.--New foliage (Spring/Summer): Upper side: Near 151A. Underside: Near 149C. Old Foliage (Spring/Summer): Upper side: Near 139A. Underside: Near 146B. New Foliage (Winter): Upper side: Near 187A and near 202A. Underside: Near 187B with tinge of green. Old Foliage (Winter): Upper side: Near 187A and near 202A, leaves further down on stem and more protected from cold and sunlight fade to near 139A. Underside: Near 187B, leaves further down stem and more protected from cold and sunlight fade to blotched purple near 187B and near 149C.

Shape.--Elliptical; tip acute; base is rounded.

Texture.--Upper side: Coriaceous, shiny. Underside: Coriaceous, dull.

Veination.--Prominent midrib, branching lateral veination.

Edge.--Serrate, undulating.

Serration.--Distinct, regular, pointed; no end spine.

Petiole.--Smooth and short about 1/8 to 3/16 inch; some are slightly curved.

Stems and petiole color.--Upper side near 187A in warm season, blacker in Winter; underside near 146B.

Stipules.--None -- regular petiole.

Auricle.--Not present, simple leaves.

Rachis.--Not present.

Resistance to disease.--Not generally susceptible to any diseases.

D. Wood:

New shoots.--Smooth and slightly glossy; near 187A.

Old wood.--Slight irregular corky ridges, near 146B.

Internode.--Very short about 1/8 inch.

E. Winter hardiness: Winter hardy to USDA zone 4 (-30.degree. F.).

F. Comparison with Characteristics of `Blue

  ______________________________________                                    
            ILEX `MONDO`   ILEX `BLUE BOY`                                     
     ______________________________________                                    
     HEIGHT & 3' .times. 3' (to date)                                          
                               15' h .times. 12' w                             
     SPREAD                                                                    
     HABIT    Dwarf, compact shrub                                             
                               Large, upright shrub                            
     BRANCHES Short, numerous, regular                                         
                               Long, average number,                           
              pattern          wide pattern                                    
     LEAVES   Numerous, densely arranged                                       
                               Average number, wider                           
              along stem       spacing                                         
     LEAF SIZE                                                                 
              1/2 or less of `Blue Boy`                                        
                               Typical for Holly                               
     MATURE   Brighter green                                                   
     LEAF COLOR                                                                
     FLOWER   Flower cluster not prominent                                     
                               Very prominent in                               
              in Winter        Winter                                          
     ______________________________________                                    

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS AND FLOWER

A. Stamens, filaments and anthers:

Arrangement.--Four even spaced and arranged around center of flower (styles not present).

Color.--Stamens: White. Filaments: White. Anthers: Yellow.

B. Pollen:

Color.--Yellow.

C. Styles: Generally none, occasionally present -- yellow (primarily male flowers).

D. Stigmas: Generally none, occasionally present -- yellow.

E. Fruit (Rare): Seldom seen, an occasional red berry-like drupe resulting from few flowers.

Shape.--Globular, round.

Size.--About 1/4 inch diameter.

Color.--Red.

Seeds.--Seeds do not protrude.

F. Petals:

Color.--Pure white, slight rose tinge on underside.

Size.--About 1/8 inch long, (entire corolla about 1/4 inch diameter).

Shape.--Rounded.

Claims

1. A new variety of Ilex plant substantially as herein shown and described.