Thuja PLANT NAMED 'RutThu3'

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Thuja plant named ‘RutThu3’, characterized by its compact, rounding form and yellow foliage with orange tips; growth and heat tolerance in USDA Zone 8a, growth in full sun and afternoon shade conditions in landscape and full sun in container production, disease and insect resistance, and cold hardiness to about −34° F. in MN.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of the Thuja plant named ‘RutThu3’ as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0017] The accompanying, colored photographic illustrations show the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new cultivar Thuja ‘RutThu3’ showing the colors as true as possible. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description. The photographs were taken around June, 2021 on plants grown outdoors in Watkinsville, Ga.

[0018] The photograph labeled FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a typical 9-year-old ‘RutThu3’ plant showing the compact, rounded form and features and yellow toned foliage.

[0019] The photograph labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of the branches and needles of a typical 9-year-old ‘RutThu3’ plant showing the yellow-colored foliage and the orange-toned tips of new growth.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following traits have been consistently observed in the original plants of the new varieties and in asexually propagated progeny grown in Watkinsville, Ga., (and some in MN) and, to the best knowledge of the inventors, their combination forms the unique characteristics of the new variety ‘RutThu3’.

[0021] Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small letter signify that the name of that color, as used in common speech, is aptly descriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designate values based upon The R.H.S. Colour Chart, 5.sup.th edition published by The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England in 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used

[0022] The aforementioned photographs and following observations, measurements, and values describe plants of the Thuja cultivar named ‘RutThu3’. Data were collected from a horticulture farm and nursery in Watkinsville, Ga. from 8-year-old plants. The average low temperatures ranged from about 20° F. to 30° F. in the winter and about 90° F. to 100° F. in summer. [0023] Botanical classification: Thuja ‘RutThu3’. [0024] Commercial classification: Ornamental conifer. [0025] Parentage: Open pollination of mixed Thuja occidentalis ‘Albo-spicata’ by unknown pollen parents. [0026] Growth and propagation: [0027] Propagation type.—Terminal or sub-terminal hardwood cuttings. [0028] Root description.—Typically about 2-5 roots arising from the base of the cuttings. [0029] Rooting habit.—Moderate. [0030] Plant description: [0031] Habit.—Of 6-year-old plant in field — Compact, rounded. [0032] Usage.—Various uses, including landscaping, ornamental, container, border, hedge, and mass planting. [0033] Vigor.—Moderate. [0034] Size of 6-year-old plant.—A. Height: from soil level to top of plant, about 72 inches. B. Width: about 72 inches. C. Ratio: about 1.0. [0035] Branch/stem (terminal tuft).—A. Quantity: numerous. B. Length: (of year 1 stem) about 15 cm. C. Base Diameter: (of second year stem) about 3-4 mm at 15 cm from tip. D. Branch angle: about 45° from center. E: Odor (of bruised stem): mild evergreen. F. Internode length: about 2-2.5 cm. G: Color (RHS): (1/2 year stem) Yellow green 155A to Greyed orange 177C. H: Strength of lateral branches: strong. I: Pubescence: none. J: Shape: round. [0036] Leaf.—A. Leaf type: scale. B. Mature size (L×W): about 3 mm×about 2 mm. C. Arrangement on stem: decussate. D. Aspect: upright. E. Color (RHS): upper — Yellow. lower — Yellow 8B. tips — Yellow orange 17A. F. Leaf Number: average of about 12 per cm/stem. G. Apex: acute-acuminate. H. Base: rounded. I. Margin: Smooth/Hyaline. J. Shape: scale; lobes absent. K. Pubescence: none. L. Venation: none. M. Texture: waxy with abaxial gland. O. Odor when crushed: mild evergreen. [0037] Long shoots.—A. Facial Gland: present. B. Leaf Shape: scale. C. Color: Greyed orange 177C. D. Tips: free and appressed tips. E. Apex: acute. [0038] Coning production.—None. [0039] Seed.—None. [0040] Weather/temperature tolerance: Plants of the new Thuja have heat tolerance in USDA Zone 8a, with better heat tolerance than similar yellow-foliaged Thuja cultivars, and have a USDA Zone range 3-9. ‘RutThu3’ thrives in full sun and afternoon shade in landscape and full sun for container production. The new ‘RutThu3’ has also demonstrated cold hardiness to about −34° F. in trials conducted in MN. [0041] Disease/pest resistance: To date, plants of the new Thuja have not shown any disease or insect issues in field and container trials.