The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of regal pelargonium (Pelargonium.times.domesticum) called `Fantasy`. The cultivar is characterized as being compact and self-branching (without pinching), early flowering and florifarous. The flowers have a maroon blotch on the upper petals that fades to a blush pink or near white margin in contrast to blush pink to near white lower 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 gentoype with excellent propagation characteristics, compact growth habit, predictable and consistent flowering response, and acceptable postharvest quality. `Fantasy` resulted from selection from the progeny of the cross-pollination of regal pelargonium cultivars `Miss Cherryvale` and `Virginia`. `Fantasy` maintained the maroon color of `Miss Cherryvale` in the upper petals and the two-color flower color and early flowering ability of `Virginia`, a commercial standard. The cultivar flowers a few days later than `Virginia` in early spring trails and equal to `Virginia` in late spring trials. The selection was asexually propagated by cuttings and the reproductions ran true.
`Fantasy` is similar to the patented cultivar Lucy in flower part coloration, floriferousness, early flowering ability, and warm temperature flower initiation. In comparison to Lucy, `Fantasy` has diverse parentage, has a blush pink flower color background as opposed to lilac or lavender, has different leaf numbers and floret confirmation, and is not characterized as vigorous in growth habit.
With reference to the detailed description of the cultivar which follows, the test plant was potted in soilless medium and grown in a greenhouse 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.