Graptosedum plant named ‘JOKER’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Graptosedum plant named ‘JOKER’ is disclosed, characterized by clusters of variegated stem rosettes of powder blue with creamy yellow margins. The new cultivar is hardy in full sun, relatively fast growing, branching prolifically to form clusters. The new cultivar is a Graptosedum, typically produced as a container plant for the patio or as landscape plants, as well as a cultivar of ornamental purposes.

Description

[0001] Latin name of the genus and species: Graptosedum hybrid.

[0002] Variety denomination: ‘JOKER’.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The new cultivar, Graptosedum ‘JOKER’, is the product of a planned breeding program. The new variety originated as a naturally occurring whole plant mutation of the proprietary, unpatented, seed parent, Graptosedum ‘Ghosty’. The new cultivar ‘JOKER’ was discovered by the inventor, Renee O'Connell, in July 2020, in Vista, California, at a commercial greenhouse.

[0004] Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘JOKER’ was first performed in September 2020 in Vista, California, at a commercial greenhouse, by terminal vegetative cuttings. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ has since asexually produced multiple generations and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The cultivar ‘JOKER’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

[0006] The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘JOKER’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘JOKER’ as a new and distinct Graptosedum cultivar:

[0007] 1. The new cultivar Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ forms clusters of variegated stem rosettes.

[0008] 2. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ exhibits leaves with a background of clouded powder blue, with margins of creamy yellow, producing a plant for use in small dish gardens, as well as larger container gardens.

[0009] 3. As Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ is a mutation of Graptosedum ‘Ghosty’, it exemplifies the same hardiness to near 0° C. and can be used in full sun as well.

[0010] 4. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ is relatively fast growing, branching prolifically to form clusters, enhancing propagation in a commercial nursery environment.PARENTAL COMPARISON

[0011] Plants of the new cultivar are similar to plants of the parent, in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar differ in the following;

[0012] 1. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ produces variegated leaves, whereas the leaves of Graptosedum ‘Ghosty’ are a solid, clouded powder blue.

[0013] 2. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ has a slightly more compact morphology than Graptosedum ‘Ghosty’.

[0014] 3. The leaves of Graptosedum ‘Ghosty’ do not blush in bright light, whereas the leaves of Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ blush rose on the variegation when grown in bright light.COMMERCIAL COMPARISONS

[0015] The new cultivar ‘JOKER’ can be compared to the unpatented commercial variety Graptosedum ‘Blue Giant’. Plants of the Graptosedum ‘Blue Giant’ are similar to plants of the new cultivar ‘JOKER’ in most horticultural characteristics. However, the new cultivar ‘JOKER’ differs in the following:

[0016] 1. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ displays branches of powder blue, variegated with creamy yellow, whereas Graptosedum ‘Blue Giant’ is not variegated.

[0017] 2. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ produces a more compact growth habit, whereas Graptosedum ‘Blue Giant’ tends to grow very upright, and becomes very tall.

[0018] The new cultivar ‘JOKER’ can be compared to the unpatented commercial variety Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’. Plants of Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’ are similar to plants of the new cultivar ‘JOKER’ in most horticultural characteristics. However, plants of the new cultivar ‘JOKER’ differ in the following:

[0019] 1. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ forms branches of powder blue, variegated with creamy yellow, whereas Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’ forms branches of blue green, sometimes blushed in rose.

[0020] 2. Graptosedum ‘JOKER’ exhibits a more compact growth than does Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

[0021] The photograph was taken using conventional techniques and equipment. While the colors in the photograph may display variances of color as compared to the living cultivar, due to LRV (light reflectance value), it is as accurate as possible using conventional photographic techniques. Colors in the photograph may appear to differ slightly from the color values cited in the botanical description, which accurately describe the colors of the new cultivar Graptosedum ‘JOKER’.

[0022] The accompanying FIGURE illustrates in full color a plant of Graptosedum ‘JOKER’, at about 6 months, grown at a nursery (approximately 2500-foot candles) in Vista, CA in a 10-inch pot.DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘JOKER’ plants in a commercial greenhouse in Vista, California. Temperatures ranged from 1° C. to 33° C. night and day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Natural light conditions were approximately 2500 fc of light. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types.

[0024] Botanical classification: Graptosedum hybrid ‘JOKER’.PROPAGATION

[0025] Type of propagation typically used: Terminal vegetative cuttings.

[0026] Time to initiate roots: About 10 days at approximately 24° C.

[0027] Root description: Fibrous.PLANT

[0028] Age of plant described: Approximately 4 months from a cutting.

[0029] Container size of the plant described: 5-inch.

[0030] Growth habit: Central clump of rosettes, trailing with age.

[0031] Height: Approximately 8 cm to top of highest leaf.

[0032] Plant spread: Approximately 15 cm. Plant comprised of 4 main stems.

[0033] Branching characteristics: 4 rosettes produced from a pinch. Un-pinched rosettes produce 1 to 2 rosettes.

[0034] Stem:

[0035] Length.—About 5 cm at this age.

[0036] Diameter.—About 8 mm.

[0037] Texture.—Glabrous.

[0038] Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Green 192A.

[0039] Internode length.—2 to 4 mm.

[0040] Foliage:

[0041] Arrangement.—Whorled.

[0042] Average length.—2.5-3.6 cm.

[0043] Average width.—1.5 to 2 cm.

[0044] Width at base.—Average 1 cm.

[0045] Aspect of leaf.—Slight upward curve.

[0046] Leaf thickness.—9 mm.

[0047] Shape of blade.—Oblate to nearly spatulate.

[0048] Apex.—Mucronate.

[0049] Base.—Attenuate

[0050] Margin.—Entire.

[0051] Texture of top surface.—Glabrous. Slightly glaucous.

[0052] Texture of bottom surface.—Glabrous. Slightly glaucous.

[0053] Quantity of leaves per plant.—Approximately 20 to 30 per stem.

[0054] Color.—Young foliage upper side: RHS Greyed-Red 182C. Center strip Greyed-Green 191C. Margins lightly flushed Yellow 2D. Young foliage under side: RHS Greyed-Red 182C. Center strip Greyed-Green 191C. Margins lightly flushed Yellow 2D. Mature foliage upper side: RHS Greyed-Green 191A, fading to 191B towards margins. Center strip Greyed-Green 191C. Margins Yellow 2D. Very light overall tinge Greyed-Red 182D. Mature foliage, under side: RHS Greyed-Green 191A, fading to 191B towards margins. Center strip Greyed-Green 191C. Margins Yellow 4D. Very light overall tinge Greyed-Red 182D.FLOWER

[0055] Not observed.REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

[0056] Not observed.OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

[0057] Fruits and seeds: Not observed.

[0058] Temperature tolerance: Tolerates temperatures from approximately 0° C. to at least 32° C.

[0059] Disease / pest resistance: Graptosedum are not typically susceptible to diseases and pests. Fungal diseases (Anthracnose, Cercospora or Alternaria) can occur with excess moisture. Mealybug (Pseudococcidae spp.), spider mites (Tetranychidae spp.) and scale insects (Hemiptera spp.) can be found on Graptosedum. Neither resistance or susceptibility to typical diseases and pests of Graptosedum has been observed.

[0060] Drought tolerance: Tolerates at least 2 weeks of high temperatures without supplemental water, showing no serious damage to plant.

Claims

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

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