Loropetalum plant named 'Gekkou'

Abstract

A new and distinct Loropetalum cultivar named ‘Gekkou’ is disclosed, characterized by bright magenta-pink flowers and strong heat tolerance and resistance to color change in extreme temperatures. Plant habit is very dense and full growing with very vibrant burgundy foliage. The new variety is a Loropetalum, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Claims

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

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0011] The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color an overhead view of a typical plant of ‘Gekkou’ grown in a 1 gallon pot.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side of of the same plant.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of the flowers and foliage. Age of the plant photographed is approximately 1 to 2 years old from a rooted cutting. The photograph was 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

[0014] 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 ‘Gekkou’ plants grown in a double poly greenhouse, in Grand Haven, Michigan. The growing temperature averaged from 60-65° F. during the day and from 40-50° F. during the night. The double poly was present from Fall through Winter, then removed in the Spring. Shade cloth was used through the Summer. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. [0015] Botanical classification: Loropetalum chinense ‘Gekkou’. [0016] Propagation: [0017] Type of propagation typically used.—Cutting. [0018] Time to initiate roots.—18 days at 27° C. [0019] Number of days to produce a rooted liner in summer.—110 days at 27° C. [0020] Root description.—Thin to thick, fibrous, free branching and fleshy. New roots are purple in color, aging to brown. [0021] Plant: [0022] Type of plant.—Perennial shrub. [0023] Age of plant described.—1 to 2 years old. [0024] Container size of the plant described.—1 gallon pot. [0025] Growth habit.—Spreading to upright. [0026] Height.—17 cm. [0027] Plant spread.—29 cm. [0028] Growth rate.—Moderate. [0029] Plant vigor.—Good. [0030] Branching characteristics.—Lateral branching. [0031] Characteristics of primary lateral branches.—Length: 38 cm. Quantity: 11. Diameter: 3.0 mm. Color: Young stems: Near RHS Brown 200B. Older stems: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 165A. Aspect: Straight, occurring at various angles from acute to obtuse. Strength: Good. [0032] Internode length.—2.1 cm. [0033] Stem pubescence.—Yes. [0034] Foliage: [0035] Leaf.—Arrangement: Alternate, single. Quantity: Approximately 43 per branch. Average Length: 2.2-5.8 cm. Average Width: 1.6-3.4 cm. Shape of blade: Ovate rounded. Apex: Acute Base: Oblique Margin: Entire Texture of top surface: Rough due to presence of pubescence. Texture of bottom surface: Ribbed due to protruding veins. Moderate pubescence. Appearance: Upper surface: heavy pubescence on young leaves, moderate to slight on older leaves Lower surface: moderate to strong pubescence at all ages. Color: Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Greyed-purple 187A Young foliage under side: Glaucous. Near RHS Red-purple 59A Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Purple 187A with undertones of RHS Black 200A. Mature foliage under side: Glaucous. Near RHS Red-Purple 59B with undertones of RHS Greyed-Green 191D. Venation: Type: Pinnate Venation color upper side: Midribs and veins are depressed on the upper side. Color does not differ from the leaf color. Venation color under side: Midribs and veins are prominent on the underside. Near RHS Greyed-Purple Group 186A. Petiole: Length: 0.2 to 0.3 cm. Diameter: 1 mm. Color: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 166A. [0036] Flower: [0037] Inflorescence and flower type and habit.—Mainly terminal with umbel inflorescence. [0038] Quantity of flowers per inflorescence.—5 to 7. [0039] Flower type.—Strap-shaped. [0040] Flower aspect.—Upright. [0041] Quantity of flowers per lateral stem.—15-30. [0042] Quantity of flowers per plant.—50-200 on a plant of 1 to 2 years. [0043] Natural flowering season.—Spring to Fall. [0044] Fragrance.—None. [0045] Bud.—Shape: Obovate. Length: 4 mm. Diameter: 2.5 mm Color: Near RHS Red-Purple 59B. [0046] Petals.—Quantity per flower: 4. Shape: Linear. Margin: Entire. Texture: Smooth, silky. Appearance: Ribbon-like. Length: 17 mm. Width: 1 mm. Tip: Truncate. Color: When opening: Upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 60B. Lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 60B. Fully opened: Upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 60B. Lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 60B. Fades to: Near RHS Red-Purple 60B. [0047] Sepals.—Quantity per flower: 4-6. Appearance: Slightly pubescent. Texture: Slightly pubescent. Arrangement: Whorl. Shape: Ovate and fused, slightly curled outward. Length: 4 mm. Width: 2 mm Tip: Slightly reflexed. Base: Fused. Margin: Entire, smooth. Color: Immature upper and lower side: Near RHS Red-Purple 58A. Mature upper and lower side: Near RHS Red-Purple 58A. [0048] Reproductive organs: [0049] Stamens.—Number: 4. Filament length: Average 1 mm Filament color: Near RHS White 155C Anthers: Shape: Linear Length: Less than 1 mm Color: Near RHS White 155C Pollen: Amount: Scant Color: Near RHS White 155B [0050] Pistil.—Number: 2 Length: Approximately 1 mm Style: Length: Less than 1 mm Color: Near RHS White 155C Stigma: Shape: Linear Color: Near RHS White 155C Ovary: Less than 1 mm, colored near Yellow-Green 150D [0051] Other characteristics: [0052] Lowest temperature tolerance.—5 to 10° F. [0053] Disease/pest resistance.—No unusual susceptibility to diseases or pests noted to date.