Sunny Skies

Sunny Skies

Vinca minor plant named ‘Sunny Skies’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired July 25, 2021. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on May 31, 2021. This patent earned 55 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 1 of US plant patent PP13466, the photograph of Sunny Skies printed in the patent.

Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP13466, reproduced as printed. Photographs in a plant patent are taken by the applicant. Reproduction of the patent document is permitted; the image is shown whole and uncropped for that reason.

Abstract

A new variety of Vinca minor is provided that is particularly well suited for growing as a distinctive ground cover. The new variety is a branch mutation of the ‘Bowles’ variety (non-patented in the United States) and unlike its parent displays attractive smooth irregularly variegated foliage of varying shades of golden yellow green and dark green. An upright mounding and trailing growth habit is exhibited. Attractive solitary bright violet-blue flowers are formed primarily during mid-spring. The available choices in ornamental ground covers are expanded.

Show the legal claimThe single numbered claim as granted — the legal text that defines what this patent covers.

I claim: 1. A new and distinct variety of Vinca minor plant that exhibits the following combination of characteristics: (a) Forms attractive smooth irregularly variegated foliage of varying shades of golden yellow green and dark green, (b) Exhibits an upright mounding and trailing growth habit, (c) Forms attractive solitary bright violet-blue flowers, and (d) Is particularly well suited for growing as a distinctive ornamental ground cover;

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP13466 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.

The record

Abstract