Berberis Cultivar With Stable Red-Chartreuse Variegated Foliage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Berberis cultivars lack distinct foliage colors and forms, particularly vibrant and variegated foliage, and there is a need for new cultivars that exhibit unique and stable characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Development of the Berberis cultivar 'NCBX3' through controlled breeding, featuring dark red foliage with a chartreuse margin, low-growing mounded habit, and small spines, achieved via asexual propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional Berberis cultivars are used, then they have simpler foliage characteristics, but they lack vibrant and variegated foliage colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage color and formVSAvoiddistinctiveness among cultivars

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating foliage with distinct regional color variations - specifically, the chartreuse margin contrasts with the dark red central foliage area. This local differentiation of color zones within the same leaf structure provides the vibrant, variegated appearance that distinguishes 'NCBX3' from traditional uniform-foliage cultivars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If new foliage colors and forms are developed through breeding, then distinctiveness is improved, but stability of characteristics across propagation cycles may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage color variationVSAvoidgenetic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asexual propagation through stem cuttings to create genetically identical copies of the parent plant. This copying method ensures that the unique foliage characteristics - dark red color with chartreuse margin, mounded habit, and small spines - are replicated exactly across multiple propagation cycles, maintaining genetic stability while preserving the distinctive phenotypic traits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses stem cuttings as a temporary, easily disposable propagation medium. These cuttings are taken from the parent plant, rooted to create new plants, and then discarded after serving their propagation purpose. This method provides a simple, cost-effective way to multiply the cultivar while ensuring genetic fidelity through clonal reproduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Shape

If vibrant variegated foliage is achieved, then aesthetic value is improved, but the complexity of maintaining color consistency may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage variegationVSAvoidcolor consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a cultivar that naturally maintains its dark red and chartreuse margin coloration without requiring external intervention. The plant self-regulates its foliage color expression across seasons and propagation cycles, with the variegation pattern emerging consistently on its own. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex人工 maintenance to preserve color consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUSPP37164P2<i>Berberis </i>plant named ‘NCBX3’

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV

AI summary

A new and distinct cultivar of Berberis plant named ‘NCBX3’ is disclosed, characterized by dark red, glossy foliage which develops a chartreuse margin with maturity. Bright foliage color persists all season long. Plants have a low, mounding habit and small spines. The new cultivar is a Berberis, normally used for outdoor ornamental purposes.