Lilium `Memphis`

Abstract

A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing 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 pink pink coloration shading into a wide white area surrounding a small yellow ray extending from the nectary furrows. This combination is completely new in the Oriental 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 Oriental 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 upright to semi-upright flowers with deep pink coloration shading into a wide white center bording a short, narrow yellow ray along the midrib, accented with noticeable magneta rose papillae on the basal half of each tepal, a combination unique among Oriental hybrid lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation.