Agapanthus Cultivar Sofie Upright Leaf and Dark Blue Flower Traits
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a distinct Agapanthus cultivar that exhibits unique characteristics such as upright leaf growth, high quantity of individual flowers, dark blue flower color, and a compact plant habit, which are not adequately met by existing varieties like 'Intermedia' and 'Johanna'.
Innovation Solution
The cultivar 'SOFIE' is a chance seedling selection with stable reproduction through vegetative divisions, characterized by upright leaf growth, high flower quantity per umbel, dark blue flower color, and a compact habit, differing from other Agapanthus hybrids like 'Intermedia' and 'Johanna'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing Agapanthus varieties like 'Intermedia' and 'Johanna' are used, then they provide basic horticultural characteristics, but they lack unique features such as upright leaf growth, high flower quantity, dark blue color, and compact habit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and stabilizing specific phenotypic parameters in the Agapanthus cultivar 'SOFIE'. The cultivar exhibits distinct parameter values including upright leaf growth orientation, dark blue flower color (RHS 93A-94A), compact plant habit, and high flower quantity per umbel (100-150 flowers). These parameter variations distinguish 'SOFIE' from existing varieties and resolve the technical contradiction by achieving unique characteristics while maintaining high flower quantity.
2Quantity of substance
If Agapanthus varieties with high flower quantity are selected, then flower count increases, but plant habit becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by establishing a specific relationship between umbel size and flower density in cultivar 'SOFIE'. The umbels are described as compact (9-12 cm diameter) yet contain high flower quantities (100-150 flowers per umbel). This is achieved by optimizing parameters including umbel compactness, flower density within the umbel, and overall plant height (60-80 cm), allowing simultaneous achievement of compact habit and high flower quantity.
3Shape
If Agapanthus varieties with upright leaf growth are developed, then foliage architecture improves, but flower color variety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by fixing specific parameter values for both leaf growth habit and flower color in cultivar 'SOFIE'. The leaves exhibit upright growth orientation perpendicular to the scape, while flowers display a specific dark blue color (RHS 93A-94A). This coordinated parameter selection resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that upright foliage architecture and distinctive dark blue coloration can coexist as stable, heritable traits in a single cultivar.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct Agapanthus hybrid cultivar named ‘SOFIE’ is disclosed, characterized by upright leaf growth, umbels with a high quantity of individual flowers of a dark blue flower color. The new variety is an Agapanthus hybrid, suitable for outdoor landscape and decorative cut flower stem use.