Regal Pelargonium `Allure`

Abstract

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of regal Pelargonium (Pelargonium.times.domesticum) named `Allure` substantially as illustrated and described herein, particularly characterized as being compact and self-branching, early flowering, and having flowers which are soft pink in color with red feathering on the upper two petals thereof.

Description

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of regal Pelargonium (Pelargonium.times.domesticum) called `Allure`. This cultivar is compact and self-branching (without pinching) and early flowering. The flowers are soft pink with red feathering on the upper two petals.

The cultivar was developed from an organized, scientifically designed breeding program conducted at the Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. 16802. The objective was to produce a new regal Pelargonium genotype with excellent propagation characteristics, compact growth habit, predictable and consistent flowering response and good postharvest quality. `Allure` resulted from the selection from the progeny of the cross-pollination of regal Pelargonium cultivars `White Glory` and `Melissa`. The selection was asexually propagated by cuttings and the reproductions ran true.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates in color the cultivar (cultivated with pinching) including foliage and flowers.

FIG. 2 illustrates in color primarily the floret.

With reference to the detailed description of the cultivar which follows, the test plant was potted in soilless medium and grown in a glasshouse under natural sunlight at a night temperature of approximately 58.degree. F. and a day temperature of approximately 68.degree. F. Fertilizer was applied in every watering, with 200 ppm nitrogen provided in the forms of 15-16-17 (two consecutive waterings) and 20-0-20 (every third watering) in a repeating cycle.

Color readings were taken under incandescent light at approximately 200 foot candles and color identification was by reference to the Royal Horticultural Society Colour Charts, except where common terms of color definition are employed.

THE PLANT

Classificationn:

Botanical.--Pelargonium.times.domesticum.

Tradename.--#30-(81-59-1)=`Allure`.

Form: Compact, self-branching.

Height: 14-25 cm [will vary with environmental and cultural conditions].

Leaves:

Size.--Largest leaf measured 8.0 cm long.times.12.0 cm wide.

Shape.--Depressed ovate; base is cuneate to truncate to reniform; variously lobed; ratio of length to width is 2 to 3.

Margin.--Toothed.

Texture.--Pubescent.

Color.--Adaxial: Green 137C. Abaxial: Green 138A.

Ribs and veins.--Palmate venation.

Petioles.--Texture: Lightly pubescent. Length: Up to 7.5 cm. Color: Yellow-green 144A.

Stem:

Internode length.--Up to 3.5 cm.

Color.--Yellow-green 144A.

THE FLOWER

Blooming habit: Early; inflorescence number comparable to the cultivar `Grand Slam`.

Inflorescence form: Umbellate.

Inflorescence size: Varies with floret number; often 9.0-13.0 cm across (with florets fully open).

Disease resistance: Not known.

Florets:

Number.--Up to 8 per inflorescence.

Form.--Cupped.

Size.--5.0-6.0 cm across open floret.

Petals:

Number.--5-8.

Texture and appearance.--Smooth, with slightly wrinkled margins.

Color.--Upper petals: Adaxial: Margin: Red-purple 62A. Central spot: Greyed-purple 187A with narrow red 42A halo. Proximal veins and feathering: Greyed-purple 187A. Base: White 155A. Abaxial: Margin: Red-purple 62D. Central spot, proximal veins and feathering: Red-purple 64A; spot smaller than adaxial spot. Lower petals: Adaxial: Red-purple 62A. Basal veins: Red-purple 61A. Base: White 155A. Abaxial: Red-purple 62D. Basal veins: Red-purple 61D.

Petaloids:

Number.--0 or 1.

Shape.--Petal-like (but sometimes fused with a sepal).

Color.--Similar to the color of the petals.

Sepals:

Number.--5-7.

Pedicel: Subtended by bracts.

Length.--Up to 4.8 cm.

Color.--Yellow-green 144A.

Peduncle: Arises from node; opposed to leaf petiole; subtended by leaves and bracts.

Length.--Up to 9.5 cm.

Color.--Yellow-green 144B.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Androecium:

Stamens.--7-10 flat, ribbon-like filaments, joined at their bases; upper 1/3 of filaments is light purple; versatile attachment to anthers which are light purple and well developed; 2 sizes of orange pollen.

Staminodes.--1-4 flat, ribbon-like filaments with no anthers.

Petaloid stamens.--None observed.

Gynoecium:

Pistil number.--1.

Length.--16.0-24.5 mm.

Stigma.--5-6-parted; purple.

Style.--7.0-13.5 mm long; purple.

Ovary.--5.5-6.5 mm long; superior; very pubescent.

Fruit: Schizocarp; rarely observed.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of regal Pelargonium substantially as illustrated and described herein, particularly characterized as being compact and self-branching, early flowering, and having flowers which are soft pink in color with red feathering on the upper two petals thereof.