Celosia plant named ‘Spitenz Dark’

Abstract

A Celosia plant named Spitenz Dark characterized by its many dark purple colored spikes, prolific branching, foliage from the bottom to the top of the plant, a compact and symmetrical plant habit, and a response time of approximately 7.5 weeks is disclosed.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Celosia plant named Spitenz Dark as described and shown herein.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) This new Celosia plant is illustrated by the accompanying photographs which show blooms and foliage of the plant. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. The photographs are of a plant that has been in bloom for approximately 3 weeks.

(2) FIG. 1 shows the plant habit including the foliage and inflorescences of the new variety.

(3) FIG. 2 is a close-up of the new variety Spitenz Dark, showing individual spikes and inflorescences per branch.

(4) FIG. 3 is a close-up of the upper and under surfaces of the leaves of the new variety Spitenz Dark.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

(5) The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of Spitenz Dark. The data which define these characteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out in Monster, The Netherlands. The plant history was taken on un-pinched plants of 8 to 10 weeks old, which were grown in 10 cm pots in a greenhouse in Monster, The Netherlands under controlled day length and temperatures. Growth retardants were used weekly. The color readings were determined under natural light. Color references are to The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London (R.H.S.), 1995 Edition.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(6) Classification: Botanical.Celosia argentea. Common name.Cockscomb, Woolflower, Feathery Amaranth. Denomination.Spitenz Dark. Plant: Growth habit.Upright, slightly upwardly spreading annual. Growth rate.Rapid. Height.28.0 to 32.0 cm (using weekly growth retardant). Width.20.0 to 25.0 cm (using weekly growth retardant). Branches: Stem.Color: RHS 146C (Green). Strength: Strong. Brittleness: Branches are not brittle. Cross section: Round. Texture: Smooth, no significant ribs. Anthocyanin coloration: Present at nodes, near RHS Red-Purple 59A. Length of lateral branch (from top to bottom).13.0 cm to 20.0 cm. Diameter of lateral branch.0.5 cm. Lateral branch color.RHS 146C (Green). Lateral branch attachment.Petiolate. Branching.Average number of lateral branches: Prolific, with 4 to 8 breaks after pinching. Leaves: Type.Single, simple. Arrangement.Alternate. Color.Upper surface: RHS 137A (Green and partially turning RHS 59A (Red-Purple) with age). Lower surface: RHS 147B (Green). Veins: RHS 45B (Red). Size.General: Medium. Immature foliage.Length: 9.5 cm. Width: 1.5 cm. Mature foliage.Length: 14.0 cm. Width: 4.0 cm. Quantity per lateral branch.12 to 16. Shape.Cordiform. Apex.Acuminate. Base.Attenuate. Margin.Entire. Texture.Upper surface: Leathery. Lower surface: Leathery. Petiole. Color.Near Yellow-Green 146A flushed with anthocyanin near Red-Purple 59A. Length.0.5 cm. Width.0.1 cm. Venation arrangement.Pinnate. Inflorescence: Type.Many small individual tubular flowers on a spiked-type inflorescence. Height.1 week old spike: 2.5 to 3.5 cm. 3 week old spike: 4.0 to 5.0 cm. Width.Mature spike approximately 1.5 to 2 cm at widest point. Number of spikes per branch.Approximately 11 per branch. Number of flowers per spike.1 week old spike: Approximately 65 to 75. 3 week old spike: Approximately 90 to 110. Inflorescence lastingness on the plant (blooming period).8 weeks. Fragrance.Absent. Discoloration to color.None. Peduncle.Length: 1.0 cm to 2.0 cm. Diameter: 0.3 cm. Color: RHS 146C (green). Response time.7.5 weeks. Florets: Number of petals per floret.5. Petal texture (both surfaces).Papery, glabrous. Apex.Acuminate. Margin.Entire. Length.0.5 cm. Width.0.1 cm. Color.(Both surfaces): RHS 72A (Red-Purple). Floral bracts: Not Present. Reproductive organs: Stamen.Width: Very thin, 0.05 cm. Color: RHS 72A (Red-Purple). Pollen amount: Sparse; appears at a very late stage. Pollen color: RHS 155A (White). Pistil.Style appearance: Very fine, linear. Style color: RHS 72A (Red-Purple). Style length: 0.6 cm. Stigma color: RHS 72A (Red-Purple). Stigma width: 0.1 cm. Other characteristics: Fruit/seed set: Not observed. Disease/pest resistance: Typical to known Celosia varieties. Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests of Celosia have been observed. Pests common to Celosia include Aphids and thrips. Typical diseases are Botrytis and Pythium. Temperature tolerance: 5 C. to 38 C. Drought tolerance: No tolerance for drought.