Variety of geranium named Claret

A new geranium cultivar is distinguished by its form, which is abundantly branched from the base with compact growth. The soft green, relatively abundant and small leaves are well placed, giving the appearance of a dense, vigorous growth. The plant flowers profusely, with the moderately sized red, violet accented flowers arranged just above the foliage in a beautifully arranged bouquet.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT 
The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Pelargonium 
hortorum which is a zonal geranium known by the varietal name Claret 
(Oglevee No. 886 and Denholm No. 42023-1). The new variety was discovered 
in a selective breeding program by Mr. Blair L. Winner and is a selection 
from the selfing of "Glacier Crimson" (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,057, formerly 
"Bruni"). 
The new cultivar was discovered in August of 1982 at Denholm Seeds in 
Lompoc, Calif., was first asexually reproduced by cuttings by Denholm 
Seeds at Lompoc, Calif., and has been repeatedly asexually reproduced by 
cuttings at Oglevee Associates, Inc. in Connellsville, Pa. over a 36 month 
period. It has also been trial and field tested at Connellsville, Pa. 
during the summers of 1983, 1984 and 1985. It has been found to retain its 
distinctive characteristics through successive propagations. 
The new cultivar is more vigorous and lighter in color than "Glacier 
Crimson." 
The new cultivar, when grown in a glass greenhouse in Connellsville, Pa. 
using full sunlight, 60.degree. F. night temperature, 68.degree. F. day 
temperature and 71.degree. F. vent temperature and grown in a soilless 
media of constant fertilizer of 275-300 parts per million nitrogen and 
potassium, has a response time from a rooted cutting to a flowering plant 
in a 10 cm pot of six weeks.