<i>Chamelaucium </i>plant named ‘SIRIUS’

Abstract

A new and distinct Chamelaucium cultivar named ‘SIRIUS’ is disclosed, characterized by abundant, large white flowers and flower buds flushed salmon pink. Petals have a semi-erect attitude. Flower production begins in winter. The new variety is a Chamelaucium, normally producing cut flower stems, or as a garden or container plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Chamelaucium plant named ‘SIRIUS’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates a plant of the new variety at approximately 1 to 2 years of age.

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

(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 Mini Colour Chart 2005 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘SIRIUS’ plants grown outdoors in Kfar Hess, Israel. The growing temperature ranged from 15° C. to 35° C. during the day and from −2° C. to 35° C. during the night. General light conditions are bright, normal sunlight. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Chamelaucium megalopetalum uncinatum ‘SIRIUS’. Age of plant described: About 2 months old from a rooted cutting. Typical flowering stems harvested per plant: 120 to 150 during the course of the season. Vase life of flowers: Two weeks.

PROPAGATION

(5) Time to produce a rooted plantlet: 30 to 60 days at approximately 24° C. Root description: Split root.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Upright. Height: 150 cm. to top of foliage; 148 cm. to top of flowers. Plant spread: 130 cm. Branching characteristics- Length of primary lateral branches: 60 cm and up on average. Diameter of lateral branches: 0.1 to 0.25 cm. (branches from the top 30 cm. of the primary lateral branch). Quantity of primary lateral branches: 120 to 150. Characteristics of primary lateral branches: Diameter.—0.4 cm, measured at 50 cm from top. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Green 197A. Texture.—Smooth. Strength.—Low flexibility. Internode length: Range from 2 to 8 cm, section of top 30 cm.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.—Opposite. Quantity.—Approximately 10 leaves, in the 5-10 cm section from the top of the branch. Average length.—1.3 cm. Average width.—1.1 mm. Shape of blade.—Needle. Apex.—Acute. Base.—Truncate. Margin.—Entire. Texture.—Smooth. Pubescence.—None. Aspect.—Straight. Color.—Young foliage, upper side: RHS Green 137A. Young foliage, under side: RHS Green 137A. Mature foliage, upper side: RHS Green 137A. Mature foliage, under side: RHS Green 137A. Venation.—Indistinguishable from foliage. Petiole.—Not present.

FLOWER

(8) Natural flowering season: Winter. Days to flowering from rooted cutting: Photoperiodic conditions. No juvenility. Inflorescence type: Panicle. Individual flower type: 5 petals, about 1.8 cm in diameter. Rate of flower opening: About 45 to 60 days from bud to fully opened flower. Persistent or self-cleaning: Self-cleaning. Lastingness: About 2 weeks in a vase. Bud: Shape.—Flattish. Length.—0.51 cm. Diameter.—0.5 to 0.55 cm. Color.—Near White 155C with strong apical coloration near RHS Red 41B. Inflorescence size: Diameter.—18 to 24 cm. Length.—22 to 34 cm. Flower size: Diameter.—1.8 cm. Length.—1.4 cm. Corolla: Petals: Arrangement.—Rotate hypanthium. Length.—0.8 cm. Diameter.—0.8 cm. Quantity.—5. Texture.—Smooth. Apex.—Round. Base.—Fused. Color.—When opening: Upper surface: RHS White 155C. Lower surface: RHS White 155C. Fully opened: Upper surface: RHS White 155C. Lower surface: RHS White 155C. Aging: Upper surface: RHS White 155C. Lower surface: RHS White 155C. Interior corolla/tube: Diameter.—0.9 cm. Length.—0.4 cm. Color.—When opening: Upper surface: RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Lower surface: RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Fully opened: Upper surface: RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Lower surface: RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Aging: Upper surface: RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Lower surface: RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Calyx/sepals: Quantity per flower.—5 sepals. Shape.—Bow. Length.—0.2 cm. Width.—0.4 cm. Margin.—Smooth. Texture.—Smooth. Color.—RHS White 155C. Peduncle: Peduncle consists of the plant stem. Pedicel: Length.—0.6 to 1.3 cm. Diameter.—0.1 cm. Color.—RHS Yellow-Green 146C. Fragrance: None.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(9) Stamens: Number.—10. Filament length.—2 mm. Filament color.—Near White 155B. Anthers: Shape.—Round. Length.—1 mm. Width.—0.3 mm. Color.—RHS Orange 22A. Pollen: Not observed. Pistil: Number.—1. Length.—0.75 cm. Style length.—0.7 cm. Style color.—RHS White 155D. Stigma.—Shape: Round. Color: RHS Yellow 18C.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(10) Seeds and fruits: Single flower produces one fruit. When the fruit is fertile, it will produce 1 seed. Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests of Chamelaucium have been observed to date. Temperature tolerance: From −2° C. to 35° C. Drought tolerance: Very good tolerance for drought.