ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 4 -- United States Patent no. PP36,726, issued on June 3, was assigned to Walters Gardens Inc. (Zeeland, Mich.).

"Stokesia plant named 'Whitecaps'" was invented by Hans A Hansen (Zeeland, Mich.).

According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A new and distinct variety of Stokesia laevis plant named 'Whitecaps' with extended blooming of composite flowers having white ray florets and disk florets with a tinge of pale pinkish-lavender displayed just above the rich dark-green foliage of rounded plants from early summer until late summer of into fall if deadheaded. The new plant is useful for garden landscapes, in containers, or as a cut flower."

The patent was filed on April 16, 2024, under...