Chamaecyparis PLANT NAMED 'RutCham1'

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Chamaecyparis plant named RutCham1, characterized by its good heat tolerance in USDA Hardiness Zone 8 relative to typical Chamaecyparis pisifera cultivars; foliage that turns golden in the winter and green in the summer for multi-seasonal interest; and a uniform, pyramidal shape.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of the Chamaecyparis plant named RutCham1 as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0012] The accompanying, colored photographic illustrations show the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new cultivar of Chamaecyparis RutCham1 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 Chamaecyparis RutCham1. The photographs were taken in February 2023 of nine-year-old plants grown outdoors in Watkinsville, Georgia.

[0013] The photograph labeled FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a typical RutCham1 plant showing the general form and features, including the upright, pyramidal form.

[0014] The photograph labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of the branches and needles of a typical RutCham1 plant showing its golden winter foliage.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following traits have been consistently observed in the original plant of this new variety and in asexually propagated progeny grown in Watkinsville, Georgia, and, to the best knowledge of the inventors, their combination forms the unique characteristics of the new variety RutCham1.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The aforementioned photographs and following observations, measurements, and values describe plants of the Chamaecyparis cultivar named RutCham1. Data were collected from plants that were approximately eight years old and were grown in the ground under outdoor conditions in Watkinsville, GA. The average low temperatures ranged from lows of about 33 F. to 42 F. in the winter, to average high temperatures of about 85 F. to 92 F. in summer. [0018] Botanical classification: Chamaecyparis RutCham1 [0019] Commercial classification: Ornamental conifer [0020] Parentage: Open pollination of unknown Chamaecyparis. [0021] Growth and propagation: [0022] Propagation type.Terminal or sub-terminal hardwood cuttings. [0023] Growth rate.Fast, similar to that of Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera Aurea (unpatented) cultivars. [0024] Root description.Usually about 1-5 roots arising from the base of the cuttings. [0025] Rooting habit.Typical for the species, not vigorous. [0026] Plant description: [0027] Habit.Of 10-year plant in field upright, pyramidal. [0028] Usage.Various uses, including landscaping, ornamental, border, hedge, and mass planting. [0029] Vigor.Moderately vigorous. [0030] Size of 9-year plant.A. Height: from soil level to top of plant, about 20 feet. B. Width: about 11 feet. [0031] Branch/stem.A. Quantity: about one main stems/branches per plant with numerous branches and lateral branches. B. Length: About 12-14 cm. C. Base Diameter: About 1-2 mm at year 1 and about 4-5 mm at year 2. D. Branch angle: year 1 about 60-75 from center; year 2 about 15-75 from center. E: Odor (of bruised stem): pleasant resin. F. Internode length: about 5 mm at years 1 and 2. G: Color (RHS): year 1 Greyed-orange 163B, year 2 Greyed-green 198C. H: Strength of lateral branches: moderate. I: Pubescence: none. J: Shape: year 1 flattened, year 2 - round. K: Texture: medium to coarse. [0032] Leaf.A. Leaf type: scale-like. B. Mature size (LW): About 2 mmabout 2 mm. C. Arrangement on stem: decussate. D. Aspect: closely appressed to the branchlet. E. Color (R.H.S.): upper-Yellow 7B (winter) and Yellow Green 146C. (summer); lower-Yellow Green 144A with white (White 155C) triangular stomatal banding (winter and summer). F. Leaf Number: 1 per scale leaf. G. Apex: acuminate to acute. H. Base: flattened. I. Margin: smooth. J. Shape: facing pair flattened, lateral pair keeled. K. Pubescence: none. L. Venation: linear. M. Texture: rough. O. Odor when crushed: strong resin. [0033] No male or female cones noted. [0034] Weather/temperature tolerance: Plants of the new Chamaecyparis have been observed to tolerate about 30 C. without damage in laboratory tests on two-year old wood. Hardiness USDA Zone range 6-9. Plants have not been tested north of USDA Zone 8a. [0035] Disease/pest resistance: To date, plants of the new Chamaecyparis have not been observed to have any occurrence of Passalora blight (caused by Passalora sequoiae) or other foliar diseases in container and field trials.