A new variety of Gaura lindheimeri plant named &#8216;Colso&#8217; that is characterized by yellow-white marginal leaf variegation with a central leaf color of green and petal color of red to red-purple.

Classification: The present invention relates to a new Gaura lindheimeri plant.

Variety denomination: The new plant has the varietal denomination Colso .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Gaura having attractive variegated foliage. The new cultivar is known botanically as Gaura lindheimeri and will be referred to hereinafter by the variety name Colso .

Colso is a naturally occurring branch mutation discovered in a controlled planting of Gaura lindheimeri Siskiyou Pink (unpatented).

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar was first accomplished using softwood cuttings in a propagation nursery at Wonga Park, Victoria, Australia. Since that time, through successive generations, the characteristics of the new variety have been determined stable and reproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits in combination distinguish the Colso variety from all other commercial varieties known to the inventor. Colso has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic and cultural conditions.

COMPARISON WITH PARENT

Colso is distinguishable from the parent by its variegated foliage.

In comparison, the plant most similar to Colso is Gaura lindheimeri Jo Adela (unpatented). Colso differs from this variety in red to red-purple petal color whereas Gaura lindheimeri Jo Adela has white petals. In comparison to the co-pending patent application Benso (U.S. plant application Ser. No. 10/160,976) and Crimson Butterflies (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,189), although both have the same parent, neither have variegated foliage like Colso .

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a description of the new variety Colso . Data was collected from plants grown in outdoor conditions, 9 months of age, in flower at Wonga Park, Victoria, Australia. The color determinations are in accordance with the 1995 Edition of The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart ( R.H.S.C. ), London, England, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.

The plant grows in a spreading habit with medium sparse, vigorous growth, attaining medium height. The growing requirements are similar to other Gaura.

Bloom period. Spring and summer, extending into fall in Wonga Park, Victoria, Australia.

Propagation. Propagation is accomplished using vegetative cuttings.

Time to develop roots. About 10 to 14 days, when rooted on a heated bench.

Crop time. About 12 to 14 weeks to produce a 14 cm container plant size with flower from a rooted cutting.

Dimensions. About 50 cm in length and about 0.4 cm in diameter (max dimensions).

Surface. Pubescent with whitish hairs up to about 0.5 mm in length.

Basal stem color. Near to 199A.

Branching. Basal branching. Some lateral branching from upper stem nodes once flowering is initiated.

Branching habit. Basal branching with spreading stems.

Mature leaf dimensions. Mature leaf dimensions range from about 6 to 8 cm in length and about 1.2 to 1.5 cm in width.

Leaf color ( adaxial surface ). Both colors 137C and 158A are individually present on each individual leaf. 137C is the color of the center and 158A is the variegated margin color.

Leaf color ( abaxial surface ). Both colors 137C and 158A are individually present on each individual leaf. 137C is the color of the center and 158A is the variegated margin color.

Dimensions of inflorescence. About 30 cm to 35 cm in length and about 6 cm in diameter (at maturity).

Flower dimensions. About 3 cm in height and about 3 cm in width.

Total number of flowers per raceme. About 30 to 40 flowers per raceme.

Bud. Dimensions: About 0.3 cm in width 2.2 to 2.5 cm in length. Shape: Linear. Color: Buds that are completely closed are the color 185B.

Flower color ( adaxial surfaces ). Pale color of outer edge of petals is near 55B, petal center is near 57C.

Flower color ( abaxial surfaces ). Pale color of outer edge of petals is near 55B, petal center is near 57C.

Calyx. Dimensions: About 1.6 cm in length and about 0.5 cm in diameter. Surface: Pubescent.

Sepals. Four in number. Fused or Unfused: Fused. Partially separate once petals are fully open. Surface: Pubescent.

Peduncle. Dimensions: About 10 cm to 15 cm in length and about 2 mm in width. Surface: Pubescent.

Flower fragrance. Flowers have no fragrance.

Stamens. Eight in number. Color: Near 155C. Dimensions: About 1.3 cm in length and about 0.50 mm in diameter.

Anther. Dimensions: About 2.5 mm in length and about 0.5 mm in width. Color: Near 187A. Shape: Linear.

Pistil. One. Dimensions: About 1.5 cm in length and about 0.50 mm in width. Color: About 57C.

Ovary. Position: Inferior. Color: Near 187A. Shape: Linear to elliptic. Dimensions: About 8 mm in length and about 1.5 mm in diameter.

Seed production. Seed production has not been observed to date.