Researchers at Penn State Universiuty, USA, have bred a new variety of regal geranium (Pelargonium grandiflorum/domesticum) grown as a flowering houseplant called ‘Elegance Silver’ with unique characteristics of floral logevity. It is the result of 30 years of breeding and selection. Flowers carry symmetrical petals and are much less sensitive to ethylene compared to other regals, according to Dr. Hye-Ji Kim who conducted the physiological research as part of her dissertation. This floral logevity was noticed by Dr. Richard Craig when flowers of this variety lasted in good condition for more than 14 days in vase water. The reduced sensitivity to ethylene allows the flowers to retain their vitality for a much longer time. Elegance Silver’ produces white flowers with burgundy ‘feathers’. The leaves are highly serrated typical of Regal geramiums. Of very particular interest is the fact that the variety produces many more flowers over a more extended period of time than any other regals. ‘Elegance Silver’ is now being used to create other groups of regals and in the meantime a plant patent has been applied for. Propagation is being undertaken by Oglevee. The first plants will become available to growers in autumn 2005 For more information contact Dr. Richard Craig. Tel 001 814 865 948, E-mail: rxc9@psu.edu |
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