Hydrangea Hybrida HMUPSI Compact Growth and Re-blooming

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a new Hydrangea cultivar that exhibits a unique combination of traits such as a mop-head inflorescence, semi-dwarf compact plant form, strong re-blooming habit, vibrant colored inflorescence, and sturdy stems capable of supporting large inflorescences, which are not adequately met by existing varieties.

Innovation Solution

The development of the Hydrangea hybrida cultivar 'HMUPSI' through open pollination breeding, characterized by its mop-head inflorescence, semi-dwarf compact growth, strong re-blooming habit, and deep sepal color, which distinguishes it from other commercial varieties like 'Robert' and 'Berner', and demonstrates improved performance in both container and garden settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If existing Hydrangea varieties are used, then they may have large inflorescences, but the plant size becomes too large for container performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinflorescence sizeVSAvoidplant size
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the plant into distinct growth zones by controlling rootstock selection and pruning practices, allowing the inflorescence to develop to full size while the overall plant remains compact through strategic removal of lower branches and suckers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific rootstocks that confer dwarfing characteristics to the lower plant portions while allowing the upper inflorescence-bearing portions to maintain large flower heads, creating a gradient of growth rates from base to apex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of stationary object

If existing Hydrangea varieties are used, then they may have large inflorescences, but the stems become weak and cannot support the large inflorescences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinflorescence sizeVSAvoidstem strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action through proactive stem strengthening measures including selective pruning to promote robust cane development, application of stem hardening treatments, and timing of flowering bud formation to coincide with peak stem strength periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structural system where the stem is reinforced through incorporation of lignin and cellulose enhancements via nutritional programs, creating a multi-layered stem structure with improved compressive and tensile strength to support large inflorescences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of moving object

If existing Hydrangea varieties are used, then they may have good initial flowering, but re-blooming performance is weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflowering durationVSAvoidre-blooming performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through scheduled fertilization programs that cycle between high-nitrogen formulations to promote vegetative growth and flowering and low-nitrogen formulations to encourage bud set and re-blooming, creating multiple flowering cycles throughout the growing season

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting key growth parameters including photoperiod manipulation through supplemental lighting, temperature variations to induce flowering hormones, and nutritional parameter shifts to synchronize multiple flushes of flower production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP28974P3<i>Hydrangea </i>plant named ‘HMUPSI’
Publication Date: 2018.02.20 SPRING MEADOW NURSERY INC
  • USPP28974P3 patent drawing
  • USPP28974P3 patent drawing

AI summary

A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘HMUPSI’ is disclosed, characterized by a vibrant mophead inflorescence and strong re-blooming characteristics. Plants are semi-dwarf, compact and bloom on both old and new wood Flowering stems are exceptionally strong. The new variety is a Hydrangea, normally produced as an ornamental plant for containers or gardens.