<i>Nandina </i>plant named ‘ZhNan53’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Nandina plant named ZhNan53, characterized by a combination of compact growing form, dense foliage, red fall foliage persistent to 6 months, no seed, and no notable disease and pest.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of the Nandina plant named ZhNan53 as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying colored photographic illustrations show the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new cultivar of Nandina domestica ZhNan53 showing the colors as true as possible. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describes the colors of the new Nandina domestica ZhNan53. The photographs were taken of plants grown outdoors in Watkinsville, Ga. on Jan. 6, 2016.

(2) The photograph labeled FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a typical 3-year-old ZhNan53 plant showing the bright red foliage.

(3) The photograph labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of the leaves of a typical 3-year-old ZhNan53 plant showing the bright red foliage.

(4) The photograph labeled FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a typical 3-year-old ZhNan53 plant showing the bright red foliage.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(5) The aforementioned photographs and following observations, measurements, and values describe plants of the Nandina domestica cultivar named ZhNan53. Data were collected from a horticulture farm and nursery in Watkinsville, Ga. from 3-year-old plants (planted into 3-gallon container). The average low temperatures ranged from about 22-23 F. to 67-68 F. in the winter and about 66-67 F. to 97-98 F. in summer. The data below were collected on Jan. 6, 2016. Color names and values are from The R.H.S. Colour Chart, 5.sup.th edition, published by The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.), London, UK in 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. Botanical classification: Nandina domestica ZhNan53. Commercial classification: Shrub. Parentage: Open pollination/seed propagation of six Nandina domestica cultivars Nandina01-02, Nandina02-02, Nandina03-02, Nandina04-02, Nandina05-02, and Nandina06-02, none of which are patented. Growth and propagation: Propagation type.By terminal vegetative cuttings and tissue culture. Growth rate.Hardwood cuttings rooted in 3-5 weeks at temperature of 75F under the mist. Root description.White fibrous roots, initiated at the portion right under the media. Rooting habit.Dense, health, freely branching root system. Plant description: Form.Evergreen shrub, upright with densely foliated, round or very short columnar. Branching habit.Upright, compact. Usage.Various uses, such as container patio plants, potted plants, border, hedge, and mass planting. Vigor.Vigorous in the first and second years, then very slowly. Size of plant.A. Height (cm): About 27 cm. B. Plant diameter and area of spread (diameter of the canopy): About 36 cm. Stem.A. Color: 1. Upper: N78B. 2. Lower: 200B. B. Length: About 19.6 cm. C. Base diameter: About 7 mm. D. Pubescence: None. E. Shape: Rounded. F. Odor (of bruised stem): None. G. Internode length: About 4 mm, covered by petiole sheath. H. Description: Stem completely covered by foliage, not showy. I. Texture and strength, mature: Very strong woody stems, a few upright later branching, which significantly increased plant density and foliage covering. Leaf.A. Leaf type: Bi- or tri-pinnately compound. B. Mature size (LW): About 19.6about 14.7 cm. C. Arrangement on stem: Alternate. D. Leaf number: Average of about 9 to about 18 per lateral branch. Leaflet.A. Color (R.H.S.): 1. Fall-Winter: Predominately 45B, range 45A to 45C on upper surfaces and 55A on lower surfaces. Red foliage initiates in October and ends in May. 2. Summer: 137A on upper surfaces and 136C on lower surfaces. B. Mature size (LW): About 2.6about 1.1 cm. C. Apex: Acuminate. D. Base: Cuneate. E. Margin: Entire. F. Shape: Lanceolate. G. Number of lobes: None. H. Pubescence: None (glabrous). I. Venation: Netted (reticulate). J. Texture: Leathery, smooth on both sides. Petiole.A. Length: About 3.2 cm. B. Shape: rounded. C. Color (R.H.S.). 1. Fall/Winter: 60A. 2. Summer: 137B. D. Pubescence: None. E. Diameter: About 2.5 mm. F. Sheath: Semi-sheath about 1 cm long, covered stem to about . Flower.None. Fruit.None. Seed.None. Weather/temperature tolerance: Plants of the new Nandina have been observed to tolerate temperatures from about 11 F. to about 104 F. and have been observed to be very tolerant to drought and full sun conditions. Disease/pest resistance: Plants of the new Nandina have been observed to be resistant to diseases and pests common to Nandina.