Abstract
A new and distinct Magnolia cultivar named ‘Melissa Parris’ is disclosed, characterized by having pleasantly scented pink flowers, a strong central leader, and large tardily deciduous foliage. The new variety is a Magnolia, normally produced as a medium to large ornamental tree.
Claims
1. A new and distinct hybrid of Magnolia ‘Silk Road’×Magnolia insignis ‘Anita Figlar’ named Magnolia ‘Melissa Parris’ as herein illustrated and described.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
[0017] The accompanying photographs Illustrate in full color, unique aspects of ‘Melissa Parris’.
[0018] FIG. 1, shows the entire plant at age 5 years;
[0019] FIG. 2, shows a fully open ‘Melissa Parris’ flower with a reference engineer's scale;
[0020] FIG. 3, shows a flower of ‘Melissa Parris’ with a reference R.H.S. Color Chart; and,
[0021] FIG. 4, shows a flower of ‘Melissa Parris’ on the left side with a flower of the pollen parent M. insignis ‘Anita Figlar’ to its right.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticulture Society Colour Chart except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘Melissa Parris’ grown outdoors in Spartanburg, S.C., USDA Zone 7B. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant features. [0023] Botanical classification: Magnolia ‘Melissa Parris’. [0024] Propagation: [0025] Time to initiate roots: About 40 days at approximately 30° C. [0026] Time to produce a rooted cutting: About 90 days at approximately 30° C.; transplanted carefully following spring bud break at about 250 days. [0027] Root description: Typical Magnolia root, thick, coarse, and white, aging to pale tan. [0028] Time to chip bud: Spring budding proven successful on Magnolia yuyuanensis×Magnolia insignis root stock. 3-4 weeks from budding to bud break. [0029] Plant: [0030] 1. Growth habit.—Upright tree with strong central leader (FIG. 1). [0031] 2. Age of plant described.—5 years. [0032] 3. In container or in the ground.—Container 1 year, then ground 4 years. [0033] 4. Height.—Approximately 6.0 meters. [0034] 5. Spread.—Approximately 2.5 meters. [0035] 6. Growth rate.—1.2 meters per year. [0036] 7. Branching characteristics.—Single trunked tree, with ascending lateral branches forming at varying acute angles, 45-80 degrees to the trunk. [0037] 8. Length of primary lateral branches.—2-3 meters [0038] 9. Diameter of primary lateral branches.—Approximately 2 cm. [0039] 10. Quantity of primary lateral branches.—46. [0040] 11. Branch arrangement.—Alternate. [0041] Trunk: [0042] 1. Diameter.—7 centimeters after 5 years. [0043] 2. Texture.—Moderately smooth with fine, sinuous, vertical striations. [0044] 3. Color.—Grey-Brown with prominent pale grey lenticels. [0045] Foliage: [0046] Leaf: [0047] 4. Arrangement.—Alternate. [0048] 5. Quantity.—7-10 clustered tightly within 5-7 centimeters at terminal end of each growth flush. [0049] 6. Average length.—Approximately 27 cm. [0050] 7. Average width.—Approximately 9 cm. [0051] 8. Shape of lamina.—Obovate. [0052] 9. Apex.—Acuminate. [0053] 10. Base.—Cuneate. [0054] 11. Margin.—Entire. [0055] 12. Texture of top surface.—Smooth. [0056] 13. Texture of bottom surface.—Lightly pubescent. [0057] 14. Leaf internode length.—Approximately 13 cm at mid-branch. [0058] 15. Color.—Upper Surface, Near RHS Yellow-Green Group 147. [0059] 16. Venation.—Pinnate. [0060] 17. Petiole.—Stipular scar approximately 40% of overall length. [0061] Flower: [0062] 18. Natural flowering season.—Mid April-Early June in the Southeastern US. [0063] 19. Flowering onset.—Parent tree first bloomed as a 3 year old seedling. Rooted cuttings have flowered within one year of production. [0064] 20. Flower type and habit.—Terminal buds initiate flowers that most commonly are displayed singly, but occasionally a subtended companion bud emerges near the completion of flowering of the primary terminal bud. [0065] 21. Flower longevity on the plant.—Flowers open the first time between 6:30 and 8:00 PM remaining open until early morning when the 6-7 (rarely 9) inner tepals move back into an overlapping position with the 3 outer tepals remaining entirely reflexed. Approximately 24 hours after the first opening, the inner tepals open again more fully than the previous night and shed their stamens. Flowers retain the blend of dark pink and creamy pink effectively into the 3.sup.rd day without looking spent and discolored like many magnolias in the post male phase. The 2 days of tepal movements have been observed on cut branches in vases, making the new cultivar ‘Melissa Parris’ an ideal cut flower specimen. [0066] 22. Quantity of flowers.—Profuse by 5.sup.th year on parent tree. [0067] 23. Flower size.—Diameter — 16-18 cm, while fully open in 2.sup.nd evening, male phase Height — 16-18 cm, while closed in 2.sup.nd day, post female phase. [0068] 24. Pedicel.—Length — 3.5-4.0 cm. straight on terminal buds of ascending branches, curved upward on terminal buds of lateral branches. Diameter — Approximately 0.75 cm [0069] 8. Tepals.—Color — Outer: RHS Red-Purple Group 65A (FIG. 3); Inner: White with stations and blends of RHS Red-Purple Group 65A Arrangement — Alternately whorled, overlapping. Shape — Spatulate — Obovate, Cupped Size — Length 8.0-9.0 cm, Width — 3.8-4.5 cm at widest point Margin — Entire Apex — Obtuse Tepal Quantity — 9-12, Commonly 10 Texture — Smooth. [0070] 9. Fragrance.—Intense blend of sweet citrusy fragrances. [0071] Reproductive organs: [0072] Gynoecium: Approximately 1.25 (at widest point)×2.5 cm long Pistils — approximately 40. White prior to tepal opening, Orange-Pink when open. [0073] Androecium: Approximately 0.6×0.6 cm Stamens — exceeding 100. Red at basal attachment, White from tip over ⅔ total length. [0074] Other characteristics: [0075] Seeds and fruits: The new cultivar has not proven to be self-fruitful, but fruit and viable seed has been produced from crosses with several Magnolia species. [0076] Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to pathogens or pests have been observed.
[0077] As herein used, the term “dehisce” refers to splitting or fracturing of an outer membrane to access an interior.
[0078] As herein used, the term “tepal” refers to outer flower parts of species having indistinguishable sepals and petals.
