Lilium "Soiree"

Abstract

A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing semi-upright flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their deep red coloration at the edge shading into a wide yellow orange area surrounding a small dark brown ray extending from the nectary furrows. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinctive variety of Asiatic hybrid lily plant substantially as herein shown and described, characterized by its high resistance to disease; its tolerance of virus; its vigorous growth and rapid natural propagation; the excellence of its flower form, size, and substance; its versatility both as a garden plant and as a cut-flower producer from pre-cooled bulbs forced under glass out of season; and in particular by its unique semi upright-facing flowers with its deep red coloration at the edge shading into a wide yellow orange area surrounding a small dark brown ray extending from the nectary furrows and its dark stem, a combination unique among