Commercialization and Licensing - Woody Ornamentals
Since before 1923, when the Newport Flowering Plum was released, University of Minnesota breeders have been focused on developing cold hardy, disease resistant and an absolutely beautiful array of trees for Minnesota landscapes.
Some varieties have special licensing agreements for propagation through the Technology Commercialization (TC) website to help assure quality propagation and strong distribution. Ask if varieties you are considering were developed by the U of M.
Many varieties are available from your favorite nurseries. Please order from nurseries that participate in the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC) and help support future landscape plant discoveries. If you propagate U of M varieties, please learn about supporting MNRC by email at ddanielsen@bachmans.com.
Licensed Through the U of M
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Summer Cascade WisteriaSummer Cascade Wisteria is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. In 2013, the University of Minnesota licensed Summer Cascade to Bailey Nurseries. |
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Center Glow NinebarkCenter Glow Ninebark is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. Several nurseries have non-exclusive licenses to propagate and sell Center Glow. Nurseries interested in obtaining a license to propagate it should go through the Technology Commercialization website. |
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Fireside® NinebarkFireside® Ninebark is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. In 2018, the University of Minnesota licensed Fireside® to Bailey Nurseries. |
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Nothern Accents® Ole, Sven, Lena and Sigrid RosesNorthern Accents® Ole, Sven, Lena and Sigrid roses are protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. In 2020, Schulte's Greenhouse and Nursery obtained a non-exclusive license to propagate and sell Ole, Sven, Lena and Sigrid. Other nurseries interested in obtaining a license to propagate them should go through the Technology Commercialization website. |
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Electric Lights Red, and Electric Lights Double Pink AzaleasElectric Lights Red and Electric Lights Double Pink Azaleas are protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. In 2015, the University of Minnesota licensed Electric Lights Red and Electric Lights Double Pink to Bailey Nurseries. |
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Candy Lights™, Lilac Lights™ and Tri Lights™ AzaleasCandy Lights™, Lilac Lights™, Tri Lights™ azaleas are currently available to license through the Technology Commercialization website. |
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HomeFree™ ViburnumHomeFree™ viburnum is currently patented in the U.S. Nurseries interested in licensing this variety can contact breeder Stan Hokanson. |
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Summer Waltz RoseSummer Waltz Rose is currently patented in the U.S. Nurseries interested in licensing this variety can contact breeder Stan Hokanson. |
Supported Through MNRC
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Lights Series AzaleasGolden Lights, Lemon Lights, Mandarin Lights, Northern Lights, Northern Hi-Lights, Orchid Lights, Rosy Lights, Spicy Lights, and White Lights Azaleas are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). More information about the MNRC and participating nurseries can be found here. |
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Cardinal and Golden Glow™ DogwoodsCardinal and Golden Glow™ Dogwoods are not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating these varieties can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
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Northern Pearls PearlbushNorthern Pearls Pearlbush is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
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Northern Sun ForsythiaNorthern Sun Forsythia is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
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Emerald Triumph ViburnumEmerald Triumph Viburnum is not protected by US Plant Patent or foreign plant breeders' rights, but nurseries propagating this variety can support the U of M breeding program through an agreement with the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC). Check the MNRC page for more information about the organization and participating nurseries. |
Northern Accents® and Fireside® are registered trademarks of the University of Minnesota. Candy Lights™, Lilac Lights™, Tri Lights™, Heart's Desire™, Homefree™ and Golden Glow™ are trademarks of the University of Minnesota.