<i>Ilex </i>plant named ‘DRO-IMT’

Abstract

A new and distinct Ilex cultivar named ‘DRO-IMT’ is disclosed, characterized by distinctive yellow-green. Foliage is elliptic in shape. Plants have a columnar habit. Plants are very well suited for performance in the landscape, including as a specimen plant or mass planting. The new cultivar is an Ilex, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Ilex plant named ‘DRO-IMT’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a 2 year old plant of the new variety in a 3 gallon pot.

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

(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 Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘DRO-IMT’ plants grown outdoors in Loxley, Ala. Plants are approximately 1.5 years old, in a 3-gallon nursery container. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Ilex crenata ‘DRO-IMT’.

PROPAGATION

(5) Typically by softwood cuttings in Spring and Summer. Root description: Very dense fibrous roots. Colored near RHS Grey-Brown 199C. Somewhat shallow rooted.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Upright evergreen shrub. Columnar. Height: Approximately 42 cm. Plant spread: Approximately 20 cm. Branching characteristics: Densely branched, approximately 6 to 8 primary branches are densely clustered near the base of the plant (about 3 cm to 5 cm from soil level). A pinch given at approximately 10 cm from the soil level results in 7 to 9 densely occurring stems. Stems/Branches occur at 10° to 15° angles. Primary branches: Length of primary branches: Average range 15 to 20 cm, then branching into further acute lateral stems. Diameter of primary branches: Approximately 5 mm. Primary branch strength: Very strong, difficult to break. Primary branch color: Oldest wood near RHS Yellow-Green 144B with thin covering of Grey-Brown 199B. Immature branches near Yellow-Green 144B. Primary branch texture: Glabrous. Oldest wood somewhat rough. Lateral branches: Length of lateral branches: Average range 9 to 15 cm. Diameter of lateral branches: Average 3 mm. Lateral branch strength: Strong. Lateral branch color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144C. Lateral branch texture: Glabrous, smooth.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Type.—Simple. Arrangement.—Spiraling around stem. Average length.—2.5 cm. Average width.—Approximately 1 cm. Shape of blade.—Elliptical. Apex.—Broadly tapering to rounded. Base.—Broadly tapering. Leaf internode length.—About 5 mm. Attachment.—Stalked. Margin.—Entire. Texture of top surface.—Glabrous. Texture of bottom surface.—Glabrous. Appearance of top surface.—Glossy. Appearance of bottom surface.—Matte. Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 151B with overall hue near 154A. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 154C. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144C. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144D. Venation: Type.—Pinnate. Venation color upper side.—Near RHS Yellow-Green 154C. Venation color under side.—Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B. Petiole: Length.—About 2 to 5 mm. Diameter.—About 2 mm. Color.—Upper Surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144A. Lower Surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144A.

FLOWER

(8) Not observed to date.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(9) Disease and pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to normal diseases and pests of Ilex observed. Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Temperature tolerance: USDA Zone 5 through 9. Fruit/seed production: Not observed to date.