Rutgers Variegated Stellar Pink Dogwood

Invention Summary: Variegated Stellar Pink TM is a stable mutation of the popular Stellar Pink® variety of dogwood tree that is the result of crossing two varieties (Cornus Kousa and Cornus Florida). Its abundant flowers almost completely cover the tree in an overlapping manner. The leaves have a white margin and dispersed green, and mottled hues of green and white in several shades. In the fall, leaves are multi-colored and are more brilliant than the Stellar Pink® variety. Besides leaf color, all other attributes are identical to the Stellar Pink® variety. Growth is very vigorous with dense and upright branches. An average height of 23 feet and an average width of 18 feet have been achieved at 20 years of age. Branches are more uniformly full in width than are trees of Kousa dogwood. Variegated Stellar Pink TM has exhibited superior winter hardiness in USDA Plant Hardiness Map Zone 6a (-5° to -10° F). High resistance to the diseases powdery mildew and anthracnose has also been shown. Market Application: Home Garden Landscape Specimen trees Industrial landscape Parks Three-season interest: Spring (floral bracts) Summer (leaves, shape, shade) Fall (foliage color) and fruit Advantages: Variegated Stellar Pink TM has a unique combination of characteristics: The only hybrid dogwood from the Rutgers’ Stellar® Series offering variegated leaf coloration Brilliant fall colors Abundant flowers (bracts) Extremely healthy and a vigorous grower High disease resistance Superior winter hardiness Exceptional resistance to heat (Summer 2010 in TN, temperatures to 95°F)* Intellectual Property & Development Status: Patent applied for. U.S. Trademark #85004146; Limited licensing available.