Helichrysum plant named `Harvest Nectarine`

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of the Compositae family, named Helichrysum bracteatum `Harvest Nectarine`, which originated as a seedling from the inventor's controlled crossing of Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee` with a dark pink variety Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. The new variety is distinguished from Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee` and all other varieties known to the inventor by the color of its flower and buds, its resistance to the root disease Pythium, its puberulent and sparsely villous leaves, its compact growth habit, its ability to grow well in pots, and the ease with which it can be forced to flower outside for sale in the autumn without growth regulators. The new variety further possesses the commercially and aesthetically desirable characteristic of having long-lasting flowers.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Helichrysum plant, as illustrated and described.