Perpetuo

Lemon Basil

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Lesbos'

Summary: 'Pesto Perpetuo' is slightly taller in plant height than 'Lesbos'. The mature stem of 'Pesto Perpetuo' has weaker anthocyanin colouration than 'Lesbos'. 'Pesto Perpetuo' has a variegated leaf while 'Lesbos' does not. The leaf of 'Pesto Perpetuo' is lighter green than 'Lesbos'. 'Pesto Perpetuo' has a slightly wider leaf than 'Lesbos'.

Description:

PLANT: vegetatively propagated tender perennial that is treated as an annual, narrow upright growth habit, dense degree of branching

STEM: medium green, very weak to weak anthocyanin colouration, absent or very sparse pubescence, thin to medium, smooth shape

LEAF: arranged opposite, simple type, elliptic to ovate shape, acute apex, cuneate base, serrate margin, absent or very sparse pubescence on the upper and lower side, absent or very weak glaucosity on the upper side, variegated, petiole present, upper side predominantly brown green to light green (RHS 138B/C) with white (RHS 155B) along the margin area

Origin & Breeding History: 'Pesto Perpetuo' was discovered in a block of containers of Ocimum x citriodorum 'Lesbos' as a naturally occurring branch sport in a nursery in Kensington, Connecticut, USA in April of 2004. Selection criteria was foliage variegation and colour.

Tests & Trials: Trials were conducted during the summer of 2006 in Oxford Station, Ontario. 10 plants of each variety were individually grown in 12.5cm pots in a polyhouse. Plants were spaced 25cm apart. Observations and measurements were taken from 10 plants of each variety. Colours were determined using the 2001 RHS Colour Chart.

Comparison tables for 'Perpetuo' with reference variety 'Lesbos'

Plant height (cm)

Leaf width (mm)

Leaf colour (RHS)

Click on image for larger view

Lemon Basil: 'Pesto Perpetuo' (left) with reference variety 'Lesbos' (right)