<i>Dianthus </i>plant named ‘DCARE11-0’

Abstract

A new and distinct Dianthus cultivar named DCARE11-0 is disclosed, characterized by continuous flowering on floriferous plants hardy to USDA Zone 3. Flowers are semi-double and uniquely true red. The new variety is a Dianthus, typically produced as a garden or container plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Dianthus plant named DCARE11-0 as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of DCARE11-0 grown outdoors in Santa Paula, Calif. This plant is approximately 20 weeks old, shown in a 1 gallon pot.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of the flowers. The photograph was 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

(3) 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 DCARE11-0 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. Botanical classification: Dianthus hybrida DCARE11-0.

PROPAGATION

(4) Time to initiate roots: About 10 days at approximately 24 C. Time to produce a rooted cutting: About 18 days at 24 C. Root description: Fibrous roots, approximately 1 to 3 mm in diameter, colored near Orange- White 159C.

PLANT

(5) Age of plant described: Approximately 20 weeks from rooted cutting. Pot size: 6 inches. Plant type: Compact upright perennial. Plant habit: Upright growing stems emerge basally. Plant spread: Approximately 25 cm. Height: Approximately 16 cm to top of flowering plane. Approximately 14 cm to top of foliar plane. Length plant stem: Average range 10 to 12.5 cm. Diameter of plant stem: Approximately 3 mm. Quantity stems: Approximately 30. Stem: Color.Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C. Texture.Smooth. Internode length: Average 3.2 cm.

FOLIAGE

(6) Leaf: Arrangement.Opposite (in pairs). Quantity.Approximately 6-10 fully expanded per stem. Average range of 2-4 immature leaves per stem. Average length.Average range 4.2-5 cm. Average width.Approximately 0.5 cm. Shape of blade.Linear. Apex.Acute. Base.Clasping. Attachment.Sessile. Margin.Entire. Texture of top surface.Smooth. Texture of bottom surface.Smooth. Pubescence.None. Color.Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 139A. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Green 139A. Mature foliage upper side: Between RHS Green 139A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137A. Venation.Type: Linear with a prominent mid vein. Venation color upper side: Indistinguishable from foliage. Venation color under side: Indistinguishable from foliage.

FLOWER

(7) Natural flowering season: Perpetual flowering. Inflorescence type and habit: Umbel of 2 to 5 flowers. Flower longevity on plant: 2-3 weeks. Quantity of flowers: Approximately 40 flowers on a 20 week old plant. Flowers persistent or self-cleaning: Persistent. Fragrance: Moderately strong sweet scent. Inflorescence size: Diameter.Approximately 5.0 cm. Height.Approximately 4.0 cm. Individual flower size: Diameter.Approximately 3.0 cm. Length.Approximately 3.0 cm. Petals: Petal arrangement.Whorled, multiple whorl. Shape.Spatulate, with an elongated narrow base and orbicular distal section. Base.Attenuate. Margin.Serrated. Apex.Sharply serrated or notched. Length.3.0 cm. Width.1.5 cm. Petal quantity.Average range 18 to 25. Texture.Smooth all surfaces. Aspect.Flat to slightly undulating. Color: When opening.Upper surface: Near RHS Red 46A. Base near White N155A. Lower surface: Near RHS Red 46B. Base near White N155A. Fully opened.Upper surface: Near RHS Red 46B. Base near White N155A. Lower surface: Near RHS Red 46B. Base near White N155A. Fading.Upper surface: Near Red 46C. Base near White N155A. Lower surface: Near Red 46C. Base near White N155A. Tube: General description: Tube consists of the elongated, unfused base of the petals. Tube shape caused by a fused calyx. Length.1.7 cm. Width.0.8 cm. Texture.Smooth. Color: Fully opened.Inner surface: Near RHS Green 139D. Outer surface: Near RHS Green 139C. Bud: Shape.Elongated cylinder. Length.Average 2.5 cm. Diameter.Average 0.8 cm. Color.Near RHS Green 139C. Sepals: Quantity.5. Arrangement.Fused tube. Shape.Cylindric. Length.1.5 cm. Width.0.4 cm. Margin.Entire. Apex.Acute. Texture.Smooth upper and lower surfaces. Color.Near RHS Green 139B upper and lower surfaces. Bracteoles: Shape.Strap shaped. Quantity per flower.2. Length.Approximately 1.0 cm. Width.Approximately 2.0 mm. Margin.Entire. Texture.Smooth. Color.Near RHS Green 139A upper and lower surfaces. Peduncle: Length.Average 3.0 cm. Diameter.1.0 mm. Color.Near RHS Green 139A. Orientation.Upright. Strength.Flexible. Texture.Smooth. Pedicel: Length.Average 0.8 cm. Diameter.1 mm. Color.Near RHS Greyed-Green 139B. Orientation.Upright. Strength.Flexible, elastic.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(8) Stamens: Number.Most commonly 6. Filament length.Approximately 1.2 to 1.5 cm. Anthers: Shape.Oblong. Length.Approximately 0.2 cm. Color.Near RHS Greyed-Yellowed 162B. Pollen.Not observed. Pistil: Number.3. Length.Approximately 2.5 cm. Style.Length: Approximately 1.5 cm. Color: Near RHS White N155B. Stigma: Shape.Linear, arching. Color.Near RHS White N155B. Ovary shape.Oblong. Ovary diameter.0.5 cm. Ovary length.1.0 cm. Ovary color.Near RHS Green 143C.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(9) Seeds and fruits: Not observed to date. Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests of Dianthus has been observed. Typical diseases of Dianthus include: Alternaria dianthicola, Botrytis cinerea, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Pseudomonas caryophylli, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum and Rhizoctonia solani, Typical pests include; various species of Thysanopthera, various Aphis species, and various species of Tetranychus. Temperature tolerance: USDA zones 3 through 10 tolerant.