<i>Veronica </i>plant named ‘VVQRA06-0’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Veronica plant named ‘VVQRA06-0’ is disclosed, characterized by inflorescences of bright pink flowers on compact plants. Plants do not require vernalization for flowering. Plants are day-length neutral and bloom continuously. Plants are hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8. The new variety is a Veronica, typically produced as a garden or container plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Veronica plant named ‘VVQRA06-0’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color typical plants of ‘VVQRA06-0’ grown outdoors in Santa Paula, Calif. These plants are approximately 12 weeks old, growing in the ground.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the inflorescences.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Colour Chart, 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘VVQRA06-0’ plants in a commercial greenhouse in Santa Paula, Calif. Temperatures ranged from 10° C. to 29° C. night and day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Natural light conditions were approximately 2500 to 4000 fc of light. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Plants are approximately 7 months old from a rooted cutting. Botanical classification: Veronica longifolia ‘VVQRA06-0’.

PROPAGATION

(5) Time to initiate roots: About 18 days at approximately 20° C. Root description: Vigorous rooting. Root system is larger than above ground plant. Fibrous. Tan to brown, not accurately measured with RHS chart.

PLANT

(6) Plant type: Harding flowering perennial. Growth habit: Mounding and upright. Pot size of plant described: 6 inch. Height: About 30 to 40 cm. Plant spread: About 20 cm. Growth rate: Rapid, with no vernalization requirement. Branching characteristics: Strong basal branching. Average range 3 to 5 main stems/branches per individual plant. Length of primary lateral branches: About 15 to 20 cm. Diameter of lateral branches: Approximately 3 to 6 mm. Texture of lateral branches: Smooth. Shape of branch/stem: Round, developing to be slightly quadrangular with maturity. Internode length: 2 to 4 cm. Strength of stem: Very strong. Color of lateral branches: Near RHS Green 137B. Aspect/angle of branches: Very upright, acute angle. Straight. Number of leaves per lateral branch: Approximately 10 to 12 pairs (over 30 cm of stem).

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.—Opposite (in pairs). Simple. Quantity.—Approximately 10 to 12 fully expanded per stem. Average length.—5.5 cm. Average width.—15 mm. Shape of blade.—Lanceolate. Apex.—Acute. Base.—Clasping. Attachment.—Sessile. Margin.—Entire. Texture of top surface.—Sparsely pubescent. Texture of bottom surface.—Smooth. Pubescence.—None. Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137B. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137C. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137B. Venation.—Type: Linear. Venation color upper side: Near RHS Green 143C. Venation color under side: Near RHS Green 143D.

FLOWER

(8) Natural flowering season: Continuous flowering from late Spring until Fall. Inflorescence: Arrangement.—Terminal raceme. Narrow triangular in shape. Inflorescence height.—12 cm to 15 cm. Inflorescence width.—1.7 cm. Quantity of flowers per inflorescence.—Approximately 100 to 120. Moderate density. Typical quantity of inflorescence per plant.—40 to 60, at once time. Lastingness.—Individual inflorescences last about 2 months, depending upon environmental conditions. Individual flower form/shape: Campanulate. Flower: Diameter of entire flower.—Approximately 1 cm. Length of flower.—Approximately 0.7 cm. Aspect.—Outwardly facing. Petals: Quantity.—4. Arrangement.—Cruciform, fused at the base. Length.—0.5 cm. Width.—0.2 cm. Shape.—Broadly linear. Apex.—Rounded. Base.—Fused. Margin.—Entire. Texture, upper and lower surfaces.—Glabrous. Appearance upper and lower surfaces.—Matte. Color.—When opening, upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 71B. When opening, lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 71B. Fully opened, upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 67A. Fully opened, lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 70C. Corolla tube.—Length: 3 mm. Color: Interior: Near RHS Red-Purple 67A. Exterior: Near RHS Red-Purple 67A. Calyx/sepals: Shape.—4 lobes fused at base to form a tube. Apex.—Acute. Base.—Fused. Length.—Total length approximately 4 mm, lobes 1-2 mm. Width.—Approximately 2-3 mm. Texture.—Finely pubescent. Color.—RHS Green 138B. Peduncle: Peduncle length.—Approximately 2.0 to 5.0 cm. Peduncle diameter.—Approximately 3 mm. Color.—Between RHS Green 138A. Peduncle texture.—Finely pubescent. Strength.—Very strong. Pedicels: Pedicel length.—Approximately 2 mm. Pedicel diameter.—Approximately 1 mm. Angle.—Approximately 45° from attachment. Color.—Between RHS Green 138A. Pedicel texture.—Finely pubescent. Strength.—Flexible, strong. Bracts: Shape.—Narrow deltoid. Length.—10 to 15 mm. Width.—Approximately 3-5 mm. Texture.—Finely pubescent. Color.—RHS Green 138A. Bud: Shape.—Elongated ovate. Length.—Approximately 4 to 5 mm. Diameter.—Approximately 2.5 mm. Color.—Near Red-Purple N66C. Texture.—Glabrous. Fragrance: None.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(9) Stamens: Number.—2. Filament.—Length: 0.8 cm. Color: RHS Red-Purple 65B. Anthers.—Shape: Oblong. Length: 2 mm. Color: RHS Red-Purple 59D. Pollen: Not observed. Pistil: Number.—1. Length.—Approximately 2.5 cm. Style.—Number: 2. Length: Approximately 8 mm. Color: Near RHS Red-Purple 59B. Stigma.—Length: About 1 mm. Shape: Linear. Color: Near RHS Red-Purple 59B. Ovary.—Diameter: About 3 mm. Length: About 4 mm. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144C.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(10) Seeds and fruits: Not observed to date. Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests of Veronica has been observed. Temperature tolerance: USDA zones 4 through 8 tolerant.