Pieris japonica - Zebris variety

#My invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Pieris which was discovered by me among plants of the unpatented variety known as Pieris japonica. Said discovery having been made by me in May, 1962.

#For many years prior to 1962, I had been collecting open pollinated seed from Pieris japonica plants that showed more reddish color in the new foliage than others. With each generation, I selected seed from plants in this manner, with each generation showing slightly more distinctive and pronounced reddish color.

#This particular plant was selected from a group of open pollinated seedlings growing in a field row in my nursery. I was first attracted to this plant because of the distinctive, bright, reddish color of the newly formed leaves. It was growing among other open pollinated seedlings of Pieris japonica of similar color and growth, but the color of this particular plant stood out as being more red and distinctive than any of those growing around it.

#FIG. 1 shows a typical plant of the new variety as depicted in color as nearly true as possible in a color illustration of this nature.

#FIG. 2 shows typical specimens of the vegetative growth of my new discovry in different stages of development as depicted in color as nearly true as possible in a color illustration of this nature.

#The following description was made May 12, 1975, from plants growing in full sun in West Grove, Pa. Color designations are the Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart.

#Juvenile foliage before the leaf shape is apparent is 144B at the tips, becoming 145B at the point of attachment. Stems are 144B.

#Juvenile foliage: When fully unfolded and the leaf shape is apparent: