Chrysanthemum plant named `Red Champion`

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named Red Champion is provided. The new cultivar is a spontaneous mutation of the Champion cultivar (U.S. Ser. No. 08/202,201, filed concurrently herewith). The new cultivar forms attractive flat bi-toned reddish anemone flowers with a more intense coloration at the cushion. The plant exhibits a reduced susceptibility to leafminers, and the flowers exhibit a good vase life. The response period of the flowers is approximately seven to eight weeks. The new cultivar is particularly suited for use in the production throughout the year of a cut anemone spray or a pot mum under greenhouse conditions. An excellent tolerance to high temperatures is exhibited.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named Red Champion substantially as herein shown and described, which: (a) exhibits attractive flat bi-toned reddish anemone flowers wherein the disc florets are darker than the ray florets,   (b) exhibits a flower response period of approximately seven to eight weeks,   (c) forms flowers that exhibit a good vase life,   (d) exhibits a reduced susceptibility to leafminers, and   (e) has the ability to produce flowers of commercially acceptable quality throughout the year.