Nerium indicum--Little Red variety

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Nerium indicum is provided which has a dwarf growth habit, small leaves, highly attractive deep scarlet red flowers, and superior hardiness. The seed parent of the new variety was of the Single Hardy Red variety and the pollen parent was of the Scarlet Beauty variety.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Nerium indicum resulting from a cross of the Single Hardy Red variety and the Scarlet Beauty variety, substantially as shown and described, characterized by: (a) a dwarf growth habit which produces an overall plant one-half or less the size of the Single Hardy Red variety in any given period and which after several years is approximately as broad as it is tall,   (b) the formation of deep scarlet red flowers which are smaller than those of the Single Hardy Red and Scarlet Beauty varieties and substantially identical in color to those of the Scarlet Beauty variety,   (c) the formation of leaves approximately one-half the size of the leaves of the Single Hardy Red variety, and   (d) superior hardiness when compared to the Scarlet Beauty variety.