Photinia plant named ‘Cassini’

Abstract

A new and distinct highly ornamental variety of Photinia×fraseri plant is provided. An upright outwardly-spreading shrub is described that has a more compact growth habit as the plant ages than commonly is displayed by Photinia×fraseri. Attractive variegated foliage is displayed. Initially the foliage is reddish with pink margins that changes to green with pink margins. Finally the leaf margins mature to near white with near white and silver splashes over the green medial upper surfaces of the leaves. The new variety propagates well by the use of stem cuttings and grows well in U.S.D.A. Hardiness Zone Nos. 6(b) to 10. The plant is well suited for growing as an ornamental specimen or in the form of a distinctive hedge. Also, the unusual color foliage can be used to advantage as a part of flower arrangements.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct  Photinia×fraseri  plant having the following combination of characteristics: 
       (a) an upright outwardly-spreading broad-leaved evergreen shrub that has a more compact growth habit as the plant ages than commonly is displayed by  Photinia×fraseri,    
       (b) forms distinctive variegated foliage that is initially reddish with pink margins, and with the margins finally maturing to near white with near white and silver splashes over the green median upper surfaces of the leaves,  
       (c) propagates well by the use of stem cuttings, and  
       (d) is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape;  
       substantially as herein shown and described.