Abstract: According to the invention an embryogenic cell mass is cultured with a culture medium comprising an anti-auxin resulting in an unexpected shift in physiology from proliferation to maturation. Proliferation is reduced so that the formation of new immature embryos ceases. Reduction of proliferation facilitates the transition from proliferation to maturation and maturation frequency is increased to a much larger extend than expected. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that the quality of the somatic embryos is not reduced, although the activity of the important endogenous plant growth regulator, auxin, is reduced. As a mater of fact, the overall quality of the mature embryos harvested at the end of maturation is actually increased over the prior art.

Abstract: ‘Swan Lake’ is a new variety of calla lily having beautiful white flowers and strong branching.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Baldesbrila’, characterized by its semi-double bright lavender-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage and moderate, upright and mounded growth habit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Torenia plant having large flowers, vivid purple petals with a pale bluish-purple center and a vivid purple floral tube. The plant displays a semi-decumbent growth habit, medium branching and forms a great profusion of blooms. The entire plant remains in bloom for a considerable period of time. The plant grows and flowers well in shaded areas.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Verbena plant particularly distinguished by its lilac flowers, early flowering, and a spreading habit that is first semi-erect and later spreading.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Verbena plant particularly distinguished by its neonrose flowers, early flowering, and a spreading habit that is first semi-erect and later spreading.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunny Serena’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; dense and bushy growth habit; freely flowering habit; and pale yellow-colored ray florets and gray-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Hayworth’, characterized by its numerous multi-petalled red-colored flowers; upright, uniform and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green glossy leaves; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Verbascum, ‘Jackie in Pink’, characterized by its pale pink flowers, pubescent grey-green foliage, its compact growth habit, and long blooming habit.

Abstract: ‘Varen’ is a new cultivar of Betula papyrifera birch tree. This new cultivar has exceptional clear white bark and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lobelia plant named ‘Weslospot’, characterized by its cascading plant habit; freely branching habit with short internodes; continuously and freely flowering habit; densely pubescent leaves; light blue and white bi-colored flowers; and relatively tolerant to high temperatures.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Thuja occidentalis ‘Bail John’ characterized by its compact, broadly pyramidal plant habit and its densely packed dark green foliage that has good color retention and resistance to burning in winter.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lobelia plant named ‘Wesloarc’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; freely branching habit with short internodes; dense and bushy plant form; continuously and freely flowering habit; densely pubescent stems and leaves; light blue and white bi-colored flowers; and relatively tolerant to high temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lobelia plant named ‘Wesloba’, characterized by its cascading plant habit; freely branching habit; short internodes; freely and uniform flowering habit; and dark blue and white bi-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named ‘White Robe’ originated as a cutting taken from the cultivar ‘Buffie’. The cultivar ‘White Robe’ has white sepals at maturity and is distinguished from other similar cultivars of which the inventor is aware by the unique manner in which the inflorescence ages. As the mature sepals age and turn green they are highly resistant to burning and turning brown The new variety ‘White Robe’ further possesses the favorable characteristics of a compact growth habit and long lasting large inflorescences.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis named ‘Smiley Face’, characterized by an intense red-orange bloom, spotted and splotched with yellow marks along the outer rime of the flower. It is a free-flowering plant with an upright, compact habit. The foliage is glossy and dark green.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of European plum (Prunus domestica) cv. ‘92-95-99’ is described herein. The new variety ripens in late mid-season in the Delano, Calif. area with large, bright red fruit and firm flesh. Ripened fruit attains a very high level of sugar and holds in cold storage very well.

Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Hosta, ‘Grand Marquee’, characterized by its unique variegated foliage with wide blue-green margins and creamy white centers, its upright, mounding and relatively compact plant habit, and pale lavender flowers positioned above the foliage on strong and erect flower scapes.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mini Impatiens plant named ‘Fify Litesal’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and dark pink-colored flowers that are positioned above and beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ficus plant named ‘Margarita’, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by the variegated yellow-green (lime colored) foliage with a dark green amorphous, irregularly shaped and irregularly patterned spot, located along the midrib of the leaf; and by a heavily branching, upright growth habit.