Alstroemeria plant named Lorena

#The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name Lorena.

#Lorena is a product of a planned breeding program which had the primary objectives of creating new Alstroemeria cultivars having unique flower color and being capable of early winter production with low maintenance requirements. The latter term refers to the production of a minimum of non-flowering stems.

#In order to fully understand an important characteristic of the new cultivar, an explanation of typical current winter production schedules for cut flowers of Alstroemerias would be helpful. Standard industry growing practices normally utilize only natural daylight. As a result, late fall and winter production of Alstroemeria cut flowers, due to reduced levels of light during these periods, typically requires 12 weeks or more of growing time from the planting of the rhizome cutting to the initiation of flowering. Even more time is required for further flowering to produce a stem ready for sale. With certain varieties, the period of time from planting to flowering can extend up to almost six months. This time will substantially vary from variety to variety, and growing techniques and conditions also affect the growing period. For example, a larger cutting will obviously require a shorter growing time than a relatively small cutting. High temperatures normally have an adverse affect on growth, as does reduced light.

#The accompanying color photographic drawing shows in a top perspective closeup view typical inflorescence and foliage characteristics of Lorena, with colors being as nearly true as possible with illustrations of this type. As depicted in the closeup photograph, Lorena possesses a dark pink cheek, with white in the background. Prominent streaking is found on the upper and lower petals and streaking is also evident along the edges of the sepals. Yellow patches are found on the two upper petals.

#In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.). The color values were determined between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. on May 11, 1990, under 100 foot candles of light intensity at Encinitas, Calif.

#Classification:

#Botanical.--Alstroemeria cv Lorena.