Chrysanthemum plant -- ALHA cultivar

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ALHA is provided. The new cultivar was the result of a controlled breeding program wherein the Frankfort cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,342) was pollinated by the Penny Lane cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,238). More specifically, the new cultivar forms attractive yellow spider anemone flowers having a small cushion at the center and tubular ray florets which end in a spoon-like configuration (as illustrated). The disc florets when immature are yellow-green and change to yellow when mature. The inflorescence is of the generally flat capitulum form. The response period of the flowers is approximately eight weeks. Resistance to white rust has been exhibited. The new cultivar is particularly suited for use in the production of a cut spider anemone spray under greenhouse conditions.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ALHA, substantially as herein shown and described, which: (a) exhibits attractive yellow spider anemone flowers having a small cushion at the center and tubular ray florets which end in a spoon-like configuration,   (b) bears flowers of a generally flat capitulum form,   (c) exhibits a flower response period of approximately eight weeks,   (d) exhibits tolerance to white rust,   (e) forms attractive dark green foliage, and   (f) has the ability to produce flowers of commercially acceptable quality throughout the year in a cut mum production program.