Thuja PLANT NAMED 'RutThu5'

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Thuja plant named ‘RutThu5’, characterized by its nice, columnar form, dark green foliage that does not have chartreuse tips like Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’. ‘RutThu5’ can be grown with one cutting per pot compared to the industry standard of three cuttings per pot, and has similar growth rate in containers and field as three-cutting plants of ‘Emerald Green’. The new ‘RutThu5’ has demonstrated cold hardiness to about −34° F. in trials conducted in Minnesota.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of the Thuja plant named ‘RutThu5’ as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0015] The accompanying, colored photographic illustrations show the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new cultivar Thuja ‘RutThu5’ 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 of plants grown outdoors in Watkinsville, Ga.

[0016] The photograph labeled FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a typical 7-year-old ‘RutThu5’ plant showing the upright, columnar form and features.

[0017] The photograph labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of the branches and needles of a typical 7-year-old ‘RutThu5’ plant showing the dark green color and lack of chartreuse-coloring on new growth.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0018] 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 ‘RutThu5’.

[0019] 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

[0020] The aforementioned photographs and following observations, measurements, and values describe plants of the Thuja cultivar named ‘RutThu5’. Data were collected from a horticulture farm in Watkinsville, Georgia from 6-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. [0021] Botanical classification: Thuja ‘RutThu5’. [0022] Commercial classification: Ornamental conifer. [0023] Parentage: Open pollination of Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigiate’ by unknown pollen parents. [0024] Growth and propagation: [0025] Propagation type.—Terminal or sub-terminal hardwood cuttings. [0026] Growth rate.—Moderate to fast. [0027] Root description.—Typically about 2-6 roots arising from the base of the cuttings. [0028] Rooting habit.—Good. [0029] Plant description: [0030] Habit.—Of 6-year-old plant in field — upright oval, columnar. [0031] Usage.—Various uses, including landscaping, ornamental, container, border, hedge, and mass planting. [0032] Vigor.—Good. [0033] Size of 4-year-old plant.—A. Height: from soil level to top of plant, about 64 inches (about 114 inches for 6-year-old plant). B. Width: about 28 inches (about 54 inches for 6-year-old-plant). C. Ratio: about 2.3. [0034] Branch/stem (terminal tuft).—A. Quantity: numerous. B. Length: about 6-13 cm. C. Base Diameter (year 2): about 4-5 mm at 15 cm from tip. D. Branch angle: about variable from 0 to about 65° from center. E: Odor (of bruised stem): mild evergreen scent. F. Internode length: about 12-25 mm (about 5 internodes per sample). G: Color (RHS): (at ½ year) Yellow Green 154B to Greyed-orange 177B. H: Strength of lateral branches: good. I: Pubescence: none. J: Shape: round. [0035] Leaf.—A. Leaf type: scale. B. Mature size (L×W): about 2.5 mm×about 3 mm. C. Arrangement on stem: decussate. D. Aspect: upright to slightly spreading. E. Color (RHS): upper — Green 137A; lower — Green 139C. F. Leaf Number: average of about 8-10 per cm/stem. G. Apex: acute-acuminate. H. Base: rounded. I. Margin: smooth/Hyaline. J. Shape: flattened, decussate no lobes present. K. Pubescence: none. L. Venation: none. M. Texture: waxy, abaxial gland present. O. Odor when crushed: mild evergreen. [0036] Long shoots.—A. Facial Gland: present. B. Leaf Shape: linear. C. Color: Greyed-orange 177B. D. Tips: free/acuminate. E. Apex: acute. [0037] Coning production.—None. [0038] Seed.—None. [0039] Weather/temperature tolerance: Plants of the new Thuja have been observed to grow in USDA Zone 8a, with heat tolerance, and have a USDA Zone range 3-8. ‘RutThu5’ has also been cold hardy to about −34° F. in trials conducted in Minnesota. [0040] Disease/pest resistance: To date, plants of the new Thuja have been observed to have disease resistance in USDA Zone 8a when grown under standard conditions.