Juniper plant--`Loree Dawn` variety

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Juniperus chinensis plant was discovered as a limb mutation among plants of the `Pfitzeriana Aurea` variety. The new variety is slower growing than its parent and exhibits a more compact and more prostrate growth habit than `Pfitzeriana Aurea`. The new variety exhibits very fine, cascading foliage and a brilliant gold color that is speckled throughout the plant (as illustrated). The new variety because of its distinct appearance is particularly suited for use as a foundation planting, as a landscape specimen, or as a decorative mass planting. The golden foliage coloration commonly persists throughout the summer and winter months whereas other golden junipers commonly assume a brownish-green coloration during the winter months. Slow growing and fine, lacy-textured plants requiring very little maintenance are provided which impart a vivid coloration to the landscape throughout the year.

We claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Juniperus chinensis substantially as herein shown and described, which: (a) grows more slowly than `Pfitzeriana Aurea`,   (b) exhibits an attractive, fine and lacy-textured brilliant gold foliage that is deeper and more persistent than that of `Pfitzeriana Aurea`, and   (c) exhibits a more compact and more prostrate growth habit than `Pfitzeriana Aurea`.