Verticordia 'Venus Harlequin'

ORIGIN: This cultivar was selected by N & P Moyle of Western Australia from self-sown seedlings in their garden. It is said to be hybridised from Verticordia sp. aff. drummondii. It is named for its habit of flowers ageing from cream to magenta. The cultivar was first received in December 1990. Registration applied for by N & P Moyle of Mandurah, Western Australia.

DESCRIPTION: Verticordia 'Venus Harlequin' forms a small open shrub from 45 cm x 19cm which flowers from November to March. The flowers are red-purple in colour and 12mm in diameter.

DIAGNOSIS: The main difference between this plant and Verticordia sp aff drummondii is the flower colour, as V. drummondii has pink flowers. The habit of the cultivar is smaller and less wide than V. drummondii.

CULTIVATION: Verticordias have proven difficult plants in cultivation and even when well grown their life is short. They need sandy loam with some compost added and sited in full sun. Propagation should be from cuttings. Medium frost and drought sensitivity. This cultivar appears to be disease and insect resistant.

COLOUR CODE: RHS Colour Chart 1966

Mature flowers: Red-Purple Group 70A.

Newly open flowers: Violet Group 84C and Yellow-White Group 158C

ACRA REFERENCES: ACC479; ACRA495; CBG9012282.

ACCEPTED FOR REGISTRATION ON: 11 October 1993