Diamond Ball Clematis Compact Habit and Flowering
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new and distinct cultivar of Clematis hybrida that exhibits unique characteristics such as compact and vining plant habit, freely flowering, long flowering period, and semi-double to double violet blue-colored flowers, which are not found in existing Clematis varieties like 'Belle of Woking' and 'Chalcedony'.
Innovation Solution
The new Clematis cultivar 'Diamond Ball' is developed through open-pollination in Pruszków, Poland, characterized by its upright and compact vining habit, freely branching and flowering, and violet blue-colored semi-double to double flowers, which are stable and reproduce true to type via asexual reproduction by cuttings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Clematis varieties like 'Belle of Woking' and 'Chalcedony' are used, then flowering capability is achieved, but plant habit is less compact and flowering frequency is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and stabilizing specific genetic traits through controlled breeding and asexual reproduction. The cultivar 'Diamond Ball' exhibits altered parameters including compactness (7), flowering frequency (39), and flower form (12) compared to parent selections, achieving superior productivity while maintaining manageable plant volume through genetic selection rather than mechanical control
2Shape
If existing Clematis varieties are used, then basic flowering is achieved, but plant habit is less upright and compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves superior plant habit and flowering freedom simultaneously through genetic parameter changes. The upright, compact habit (12) and freely flowering characteristic (39) are inherited together as stable genetic traits, demonstrated by true-to-type reproduction across multiple generations of asexual propagation, eliminating the need to trade off between form and productivity
3Stability of the object's composition
If asexual reproduction by cuttings is used, then genetic stability is achieved, but propagation time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing genetically stable plants through controlled open-pollination and selection before commercial propagation. The parent selections were carefully chosen and crossed to produce the desired cultivar, which then reproduces true-to-type through cuttings. This preliminary breeding phase ensures genetic stability (13) is locked in before propagation begins, reducing later issues despite the initial time investment
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Clematis plant named ‘Diamond Ball’ characterized by its upright, relatively compact and vining plant habit; freely flowering habit; long flowering period; and semi-double to double violet blue-colored flowers.