Hypericum Stardust Cultivar Unique Foliage Coloration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cultivars of Hypericum patulum lack unique foliage coloration and growth habits, with existing varieties either having solid green foliage or variegated margins, failing to offer the dynamic color transition and procumbent habit exhibited by 'Stardust'.

Innovation Solution

The new cultivar 'Stardust' features unique foliage coloration with creamy white and pink hues transitioning to solid green, a procumbent growth habit, and vigorous growth, achieved through terminal stem cuttings and stable reproduction, distinguishing it from other Hypericum cultivars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional Hypericum patulum cultivars are used, then solid green foliage is maintained, but unique foliage coloration and ornamental value are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage coloration uniquenessVSAvoidcolor stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a mutation with altered pigment production parameters. The creamy white and pink hues represent a change in color parameters (pigment concentration and type) compared to traditional solid green foliage, while maintaining species stability through controlled propagation by stem cuttings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing variegation as a localized characteristic within the foliage. The creamy white and pink hues appear in specific regions of the leaves rather than uniformly throughout, creating visual interest through localized color variations while maintaining overall plant health and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If variegated margin cultivars like Hypericum patulum 'Variegatum' are used, then some foliage color variation is achieved, but dynamic color transition and unique appearance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoliage color variationVSAvoidcolor transition dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by capturing and propagating a mutation that exhibits dynamic color characteristics. The creamy white and pink hues represent a dynamic departure from static solid green or simple margin variegation, providing evolving visual interest as the plant grows and seasons change

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If upright growth habit cultivars are used, then traditional growth form is maintained, but procumbent habit and landscape versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth habit consistencyVSAvoidlandscape application flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting for a mutation with altered growth habit parameters. The procumbent (ground-hugging) growth habit represents a change in structural parameters compared to traditional upright forms, enabling diverse landscape applications such as ground cover, rock garden spillers, and container overflow plants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP18408P2Hypericum plant named `Stardust`

Publication Date: 2008.01.08 ITSAUL PLANTS LLC

AI summary

A new cultivar of Hypericum patulum, ‘Stardust’, characterized by its unique foliage coloration with new foliage emerging creamy white tinged with pink, changing to creamy white foliage heavily mottled with dark green, and turning dark green as the leaf matures. The vigorous growth habit and pendant stems of ‘Stardust’ make it suitable for both containers and use as a landscape plant.