Devon Xera

Dianthus

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Frosty Fire'

Summary: 'Devon Xera' has an upright to cushion shaped plant habit with plants that are taller and wider than 'Frosty Fire' which is more compact. The flowers of 'Devon Xera' have a larger diameter than those of the reference variety, and the petals of 'Devon Xera' have deeper incisions than 'Frosty Fire'. There are two colours on the petals of 'Devon Xera'; the main colour is purple red and there is a garnet red zone near the base of each petal, forming a ring around the centre of the flower. The flowers of 'Frosty Fire' have only one colour. The stigmas of 'Devon Xera' are red, while those of 'Frosty Fire' are pinkish white.

Description:

PLANT: perennial, evergreen, upright to cushion shaped, medium foliage density, medium to tall, moderate to wide spread, laterals with flower buds present, solitary flowers

STEM: thin to medium thickness, circular in cross section, no hollowness

LEAF: linear shape, straight along longitudinal axis, weakly concave in cross section, blue-green to grey-green, medium waxy layer, entire margin

FLOWER BUD: cylindrical shape, no extrusion of styles
FLOWERING PERIOD: begins early, moderate length
FLOWER: semi-double, medium to large diameter, moderate corolla height, concave to flat profile of upper part, flat to convex profile of lower part, fragrant
EPICALYX: outer leaves adpressed in relation to calyx, short acute apex on outer and inner lobes
CALYX: medium to long, cylindrical shape
CALYX LOBE: short acute shape, short to medium length, flat longitudinal axis, reddish anthocyanin colouration on whole length
PETAL: type 1 to type 2, flat blade, dentate margin, moderate to deep incisions, short to medium length, medium width, two colours on blade, dark purple red main colour, garnet red secondary colour forming ring at transition to tube

OVARY: ellipsoid to ovoid, lower part green, surface smooth
PISTIL: two medium length styles, no shoulder, red stigma

Origin & Breeding History: 'Devon Xera' was selected in 2000 in Devon, U.K. from a large group of open pollinated seedlings resulting from the open pollination of Dianthus 'Neon Star' in 1999. The new variety was selected by the breeder for its improved floral traits, its long flowering season, as well as its vigourous growth and compact habit.

Tests & Trials: Tests and trials for 'Devon Xera' were conducted in a polyhouse in Oxford Station, Ontario during the summer of 2006. The trials consisted of 10 plants per variety, planted in the ground in a polyhouse. Measured characteristics were based on ten measurements. All colour observations were made using the 2001 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Colour Chart.

Comparison table for 'Devon Xera' with reference variety 'Frosty Fire'

Main colour of petal (RHS)

Click on image for larger view

Dianthus: 'Devon Xera' (left) with reference variety 'Frosty Fire' (right)