‘Kato Hurtekant’ [Herbaceous Hybrid] — Koen Hurtekant, Belgium — Isolated mutation of ‘Rozella’. Garden named “Pale Rozella”. First bloomed 2017, first propagated 2017. Very late blooming DOUBLE flowers are pale pink, 20 cm (8”) in diameter, upward facing, and average two per stem. Guard petals are rounded, and are typically 8 cm (3”) in width. Fragrant. On average, flowers possess one smooth carpel that is white in color with a dark pink stigma of normal anatomy. Stamens are between 1.5-2cm (0.5-0.75”) in length with yellow filaments. Produces both pollen and seeds. Disk is obscure. Plants carry narrow-pointed, green foliage that is dark green at the time of emergence. Plants reach 80cm (31”) in height at maturity. Growth habit is narrow-upright; mechanical support is unnecessary. Found in 2017 on a plant with six stems where three of them turned out to be pale-pink. These were marked and in fall that part of the crown was cut away as close as possible to those stems to isolate this mutation. After several propagation cycles the mutation is more or less pure, the original dark-pink flower showing up only very rarely. The pale-pink color is identical to ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ in bud and at first opening, but ‘Kato Hurtekant’ very slowly fades towards blush white when in the field. When used as a cut flower, however, the colour remains pink and there is no fading effect. As with ‘Rozella’, there is the occasional fine red margin on some petals. This cultivar has the same good qualities that ‘Rozella’ is known for: healthy, fast growing, very sturdy stems that hold the flowers upright under all circumstances. It is also very prolific. It starts growing very late in the season and blooms very late as well. The carpels are usually absent and, if present, very small, making it rather impractical to make crosses with, although some seeds have been collected. Named for the hybridizer’s daughter. 060124
The Peony Society - - - 0
