Geranium plant named `Midnight Coral`

#The present invention, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name "Midnight Rose" relates to a new and distinct Geranium plant. "Midnight Rose" is a new and improved plant resulting from a planned breeding program as performed by me in my greenhouse at 821 Walnut Street, Batavia, Ill. My breeding program began in March 1977, and has been ongoing since that time. This seedling was initially identified by my records as 80.times.083AX, and was the result of a cross between Red Heart, an unpatented cascade Geranium as the seed parent crossed with "Indianapolis Pink", an unpatented cascade geranium as the pollen parent. Being a cross between two market class zonal Geranium plants, it is believed that the botanical classification Pelargonium.times.hortorum would be appropriate for this plant.

#Upon recognition of the outstanding characteristics of this plant, it was selected from the progeny of the stated cross, and was set aside for further observation, testing, and was subsequently named "Midnight Rose." Asexual reproduction of "Midnight Rose" has been repeatedly accomplished by the rooting of vegetative cuttings in my greenhouse in Batavia, Ill. Examination of the plants so propagated through a series of propagations has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics herein disclosed for "Midnight Rose" are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations through asexual reproduction.

#The new and distinguishing characteristics of "Midnight Rose" reside primarily in its cascading growth habit, its medium-sized, medium green foliage without zonation and its abundant blooming habit. This plant also has a unique double, medium-sized rose colored semi-double flowers and unusually high heat tolerance. This plant might be seen as a novel and desirable introduction within the industry by a combination of desired traits including:

#The photograph depicts a market unit made up of four market stage specimens of the plant growing in a 10 inch hanging planter, in a stage of inflorescence. The assemblage is shown in side view, depicting the characteristics of branching, leaves, leaf density, leaf coloration and zonation, the number and varied stages of buds and flowers, and the positioning of the flower heads relative to the mass of the plants in the hanging basket.

#Botanical classification: Pelargonium.times.hortorum.

#Market class: Cascading zonal geranium suitable for planting in hanging baskets.

#Market name: "Midnight Rose".