Author
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Pounders Jr, Cecil |
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Submitted to: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Cultivar Release
Publication Type: Germplasm Registration Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2013 Publication Date: 12/1/2013 Citation: Pounders Jr, C.T. 2013. Notice to Nurserymen of the naming and release for propagaion of Ebony & Ivory crapemyrtle. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Cultivar Release. 48(12):1568-1570. Interpretive Summary: no summary needed for releases Technical Abstract: Lagerstroemia indica, ‘EBONY & IVORY’ is a white flowered crapemyrtle clone with burgundy foliage. This cultivar is recommended for trial by nurserymen and orticulturists as a flowering woody landscape plant in hardiness zones 6-9 and is particularly adapted to conditions in the southeastern U.S. ‘EBONY & IVORY’ was selected for its exceptional environmental stress tolerance, high level of disease resistance under ambient field conditions and extended flowering season. The texture, form and scale of the plant are ideally proportioned for inclusion as a component of foundation plantings and other landscape applications under conditions generally suited for crapemyrtle plants of medium stature. ‘EBONY & IVORY’ resulted from cross-pollination of Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit VIII’ as the female parent and 'Chocolate Mocha' as the male parent. The new crapemyrtle was selected at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory in Poplarville, MS as an excellent burgundy leafed plant (PCM 47) within the progeny of the stated crosspollination growing under intermittent stress conditions including full sun, cool spring nights, high humidity and summer drought generally considered to be conducive to development of the common crapemyrtle diseases powdery mildew, Erysiphe lagestroemia, and Cercospora leaf spot, Cercospora lythracearum. ‘EBONY & IVORY’ has displayed a high level of field resistance to both diseases. The clone also retains foliage better than many green leaf clones during periods of heat and moisture stress in combination with its desirable horticultural traits including an intermediate growth habit (2 to 4 meters), white flowers over an extended bloom season, and dark burgundy colored foliage that is persistent from spring through fall. Plants of ‘EBONY & IVORY’ have a upright growth habit with approximate dimensions of 2.0 meters tall and 0.75 meter wide after 5 years. Crown branching is dense and compact with good foliage cover. Leaves are opposite, broadly elliptical with an acuminate apex,cuneate base, entire undulating margins measuring approximately 3.5 cm in length and 2 cm in width with pinnate venation. Fully developed leaves are deep burgundy (Brown 200A) with color remaining stable throughout summer heat. Inflorescences average 14 cm in length and 10 cm in width with 40 or more flowers per panicle developing on the terminal ends of branches. Flower buds begin Greyed-Red 178A maturing to Red-Purple 59A and are rounded averaging 8mm in diameter and 7mm in length. Flowers have 6 petals, with individuals approximately 0.7cm in length and 1.6cm in width. Petals are fan shaped (7mm X 16mm) with ruffled apex, ruffled margins and sagitate bases.Flowers are normally White 155D during the heat of the first day, then fade to Orange-White 159C the second day. Plants develop rapidly in containers and are highly tolerant to fluctuations of environmental conditions such as heat and moisture. ‘EBONY & IVORY’ is easily propagated by softwood stem cuttings under intermittent misting systems. The best rooting material should be taken from actively growing stock plants. Plants of this crapemyrtle clone have not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary slightly due to environmental changes such as light intensity and fertility with no alteration of genotype. Asexual propagation of the clone over multiple cycles has demonstrated retention of major distinguishing traits. Further information or a list of nurseries propagating 'EBONY & IVORY' is available on written request to Cecil Pounders; USDA-ARS, [Cecil.Pounders@ars.usda.gov]. The USDA-ARS does not have plants for sale. In addition, genetic material of this release has been deposited in the National Plant Germplasm System where it will be available for research purposes. It is requested that appropriate recognition be made if this germpla |
