Hamelia Patens 'Beyer's Variegated"

[txbeyer]

Let me share with you my experience in discovering and naming a new plant cultivar. It is a hummingbird bush (Hamelia patens) that I simply named "Beyer's variegated".

I discovered this sport on a few branches of a mature Hamelia Patens in the yard of Sam Chism in Clear Lake in 2000. I took cuttings and have propagated this plant from cuttings through at least 5 generations with variegation still appearing. The original plant died back to the ground in winter and no further variegation appeared on it since. This plant was not accepted for commercial marketing due to the irregularity of the variegation. I have decided to make this discovery available to gardeners as Public Domain, not to be patented or sole marketing rights awarded to anyone (similar to Will Fleming's decision to make his discovery of an upright Yaupon Holly in Hempstead, TX available to gardeners in similar fashion).

My experience with the plant is that the best variegation appears on new growth in spring or fall when heat is not excessive, but variegation does fade with maturity or heat. The variegation will reappear on new cuttings as new growth is initiated. This plant likes regular fertilizing and bright light for best variegated coloration. My plants are fully 6' tall, blooming in mid summer The variegation is irregular in pattern and eye catching. In fall, when leaves turn deep red, the variegation is lighter. I have successfully had plants die back to the ground and reappear as variegates, but always like to keep a rooted cutting protected (just in case). I suspect that a harmless virus causes the variegation.
This plant was introduced to Houston Gardeners at the Fall 2004 Bulb Mart as Hamelia Patens 'Beyer's variegated'. .

My desire is to allow other gardeners the opportunity to grow and enjoy this plant. It is unique. I only ask that the name I have given it ('Beyer's variegated') be honored in sharing it with others and that I be recognized as the discoverer of this plant. A picture of it appears in the gallery.