Buddleia plant named ‘SMNBDO’

[0001] Latin name of the genus and species: Buddleia davidii.

[0002] Variety denomination: ‘SMNBDO’.

[0003] The new Buddleia cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Timothy D. Wood, in Grand Haven, Mich., USA. The objective of the breeding program was to produce compact plants with strong branches in a range of flower colors. The cross resulting in this new variety was made during 2012.

[0004] The seed parent is the patented Buddleia davidii ‘UCONNBD610’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 27,471. The pollen parent is the unpatented Buddleia davidii ‘Pink Delight’. The new variety was discovered in 2013 by the inventor in a group of seedlings resulting from the 2012 crossing, in Grand Haven, Mich., USA.

[0005] Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar was performed by softwood stem cuttings. This was first performed in Grand Haven, Mich., USA in 2013 and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type in 6 successive generations.

[0006] The cultivar ‘SMNBDO’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

[0007] The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘SMNBDO’ These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘SMNBDO’ as a new and distinct Buddleia cultivar:

• • [0008] 1. Compact, dense plants less than three feet tall.
  • [0009] 2. Thick, chunky stems with short internodes.
  • [0010] 3. Heavy, wide, coriaceous, textured leaves.
  • [0011] 4. Large and wide panicles of lilac-pink flowers.
  • [0012] 5. Cold hardiness comparable to the most cold-hardy Buddleia davidii on the market.

[0013] Plants of the new cultivar ‘SMNBDO’ are similar to plants of the seed parent in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘SMNBDO’ differ in the following;

• • [0014] 1. The cultivar has a larger plant diameter.
  • [0015] 2. The new variety has smaller lateral branch lengths.
  • [0016] 3. The new variety has persistent flowers, whereas the parent has self-cleaning flowers.

[0017] Plants of the new cultivar ‘SMNBDO’ are similar to plants of the pollen parent in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘SMNBDO’ differ in the following;

• • [0018] 1. The new variety is shorter than the pollen parent.
  • [0019] 2. The new variety has a smaller diameter than the pollen parent.
  • [0020] 3. The new variety has lilac-pink flowers whereas the pollen parent has pink flowers.

[0021] Plants of the new cultivar ‘SMNBDO’ are comparable to the unpatented commercial variety Buddleia ‘Peakeep’. The two Buddleia varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however, the new variety ‘SMNBDO’ differs in the following:

• • [0022] 1. The new cultivar is a semi-dwarf, whereas the comparator is standard size.
  • [0023] 2. The new cultivar has tighter flower clusters, whereas the comparator has looser flower clusters.
  • [0024] 3. The new cultivar has panicles more horizontal/outward, whereas the comparator has panicles more upright/outward.

[0028] In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 1996 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘SMNBDO’ plants grown in a poly greenhouse during June, in Grand Haven, Mich. USA. The growing temperature ranged from 18° C. to 27° C. during the day and from 5° C. to 10° C. during the night. General light conditions are natural sunlight. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types.

• [0029] Botanical classification: Buddleia davidii ‘SMNBDO’.

• [0030] Type of propagation typically used: Softwood cutting.
• [0031] Time to initiate roots: 14-21 days at 21-29° C. average temperature.
• [0032] Time to produce a rooted young plant: 30 days at 21-29° C. average temperature.
• [0033] Root description: Dense, free-branching, medium thickness, fibrous. Color is white, not accurately described with R.H.S. chart.

• [0034] Age of plant described: 2-3 years from rooted cutting.
• [0035] Plant type: Perennial shrub.
• [0036] Container size of the plant described: In ground.
• [0037] Appropriate containers: 1, 2, 3, 5 gallon commercial pots.
• [0038] Growth habit: Upright/rounded.
• [0039] Overall plant shape: Upright.
• [0040] Height: 52.35 cm.
• [0041] Plant spread: 87 cm.
• [0042] Growth rate: Moderate.
• [0043] Plant vigor: Strong.
• [0044] Characteristics of primary lateral branches:
  • • [0045] Quantity.—Approximately 11.
    • [0046] Branching habit.—Upright and slightly outward.
    • [0047] Branch appearance.—Woody, with pubescence on newer growth. Rounded.
    • [0048] Length.—38 to 42 cm.
    • [0049] Diameter.—8 mm.
    • [0050] Color.—Near RHS Yellow Green Group 146D, with light overlay of Greyed-Purple Group 187A.
    • [0051] Pubescence.—Present.
    • [0052] Stem aspect/angle.—Approximately 0 to 35°.
    • [0053] Strength.—Good.
• [0054] Internode length: 2.5 to 3.0 cm.

• [0055] Leaf:
  • • [0056] Arrangement.—Opposite, single.
    • [0057] Average length.—15.4 cm.
    • [0058] Average width.—4.4 cm.
    • [0059] Shape.—Lanceolate.
    • [0060] Apex.—Acute to acuminate.
    • [0061] Base.—Cuneate.
    • [0062] Margin.—Slightly undulate and serrate.
    • [0063] Texture of top surface.—Soft, coriaceous, and pubescent with distinct veins.
    • [0064] Texture of bottom surface.—Soft and pubescent with distinct veins.
    • [0065] Pubescence.—Yes, both upper and lower side of leaf.
    • [0066] Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 143A, fading to RHS Green 141A near central vein. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Greyed-Green 193B. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 141A, fading to RHS Green 139A near base. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Greyed-Green 192A.
    • [0067] Venation.—Type: Pinnate. Venation color upper side: Near RHS Green 143B. Venation color under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145A.
    • [0068] Petiole.—Length: 3.0 to 6.0 mm. Diameter: up 2.5 mm. Color: Upper side: Near RHS Green 145B. Lower side: Near RHS Green 145B. Texture: Upper side: Soft and pubescent. Lower side: Soft and pubescent.

• [0069] Flower arrangement: Cone-shaped panicle.
• [0070] Flower type: Salverform.
• [0071] Flowering habit: Freely flowering on terminal branches, will develop panicles at other nodes after terminal panicle has bloomed.
• [0072] Natural flowering season: Mid-summer to early fall.
• [0073] Inflorescence height: 12 cm.
• [0074] Inflorescence width: 5.6 cm.
• [0075] Flower longevity on plant: 3-4 weeks.
• [0076] Persistent or self-cleaning: Persistent.
• [0077] Quantity of flowers per inflorescence: Thousands.
• [0078] Quantity of flowers per plant: Thousands.
• [0079] Bud:
  • • [0080] Shape.—Linear with protruding square cap.
    • [0081] Length.—10.0 mm.
    • [0082] Diameter.—1.5 mm.
    • [0083] Color.—Near RHS Red-Purple 70A, fading to Red-Purple 70D at tip and Violet 83D at base.
• [0084] Flower size:
  • • [0085] Diameter.—0.6 cm.
    • [0086] Length.—1.0 cm.
• [0087] Petals:
  • • [0088] Appearance.—Smooth, vibrant.
    • [0089] Arrangement.—Whorled.
    • [0090] Petal length.—3.0 mm.
    • [0091] Petal width.—2.5 mm.
    • [0092] Quantity.—4.
    • [0093] Texture.—Smooth and soft.
    • [0094] Apex.—Obtuse.
    • [0095] Shape.—Oblong to obovate.
    • [0096] Base.—Slightly acute.
    • [0097] Margin.—Faintly undulate.
• [0098] Petal color:
  • • [0099] When opening.—Upper surface: Near RHS Purple-Violet 81A. Lower surface: Near RHS Purple-Violet 82A.
    • [0100] Fully opened.—Upper surface: Near RHS Purple-Violet 80A. Lower surface: Near RHS Purple-Violet 82A.
    • [0101] Fading to color.—Upper: Near RHS Brown 200A. Lower: Near RHS Brown 200A.
• [0102] Sepals:
  • • [0103] Quantity per flower.—4.
    • [0104] Arrangement.—Fused into calyx tube.
    • [0105] Shape.—Lanceolate to Ovate.
    • [0106] Length.—2.25 mm.
    • [0107] Width.—0.75 mm.
    • [0108] Apex.—Acute.
    • [0109] Base.—Cuneate.
    • [0110] Margin.—Entire/inconspicuous.
    • [0111] Texture.—Upper: Slightly pubescent. Lower: Smooth, slightly pubescent.
    • [0112] Color.—Upper Surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C fading to 147C. Lower Surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C fading to Green 135C.
• [0113] Calyx:
  • • [0114] Shape.—Oblong and unguiculate.
    • [0115] Length.—3.0 mm.
    • [0116] Diameter.—1.0 mm.
• [0117] Peduncle:
  • • [0118] Length.—2 to 3 mm.
    • [0119] Diameter.—0. 5 cm.
    • [0120] Angle.—Upright, outward.
    • [0121] Strength.—Good.
    • [0122] Texture.—Smooth, pubescent.
    • [0123] Color.—Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B.
• [0124] Pedicel:
  • • [0125] Length.—1 mm.
    • [0126] Diameter.—Less than 0.5 cm.
    • [0127] Angle.—30 to 45°.
    • [0128] Strength.—Good.
    • [0129] Texture.—Smooth.
    • [0130] Color.—Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B.
• [0131] Fragrance: Strong honey scent.

• [0132] Stamens:
  • • [0133] Number.—4.
    • [0134] Filament length.—2.5 mm.
    • [0135] Filament color.—Near RHS Greyed-Yellow 161A.
• [0136] Anthers:
  • • [0137] Shape.—Oblong.
    • [0138] Length.—1.0 mm.
    • [0139] Color.—Near RHS White 155B.
    • [0140] Pollen.—Quantity: Some. Color: Near RHS Yellow 11C.
• [0141] Pistil:
  • • [0142] Number.—1.
    • [0143] Length.—4.0 mm.
    • [0144] Style.—Length: 1.0 mm. Color: RHS Yellow-Green 145A.
    • [0145] Stigma.—Shape: Oblong. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145A. Ovary Color: RHS Yellow-green 146D.

• [0146] Seeds and fruits: None observed to date.
• [0147] Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests of Buddleia observed to date.
• [0148] Lowest temperature tolerance: To date in trials −31° C.
• [0149] Highest temperature tolerance: To date in trials 38° C.
• [0150] Garden performance: Good, strong stems resist breakage from environmental stressors.