Grand Duke

tet 28" M. Sev.- Ev. (Red Ransom X Tet Kacie Boy) We loved RED RANSOM from its maiden bloom, but wavered over its introduction due to slow growth and low bud-count, finally introducing it with the purchase of the entire collection. We felt it should be named for the purpose of recognition, and introduced it due to insistence from some of our best customers. But we bred with it sparingly, despite the super form and color, and to our great surprise, the children were not only beautiful, but as luck would have, many of the best blooms were on big, vigorous plants. GRAND DUKE is the flower that most reminds us of an improved RED RANSOM-and bloomed in the first year seedling bed on a huge 4- fan plant! Best blooms can measure 51/2" x 31/2". Color is a very clear cherry-red; throat is vivid lime-green, and both petals and sepals are bordered in lacy piecrust ruffles. Opens flat and early, rare for a red, especially one this wide and heavy. Blooms are borne on big, strong scapes, with 2 lateral branches and a terminal cluster, and a total of about 25 buds. Foli- age is huge, lush, and vigorous; needs no winter protection here in Ohio, despite its evergreen nature. Fertile both ways; pods require persistence, but results are worth the effort. $175.00 (Benz 2001)


	Grand Duke tet 28" M. Sev.- Ev. (Red Ransom X Tet Kacie Boy) We loved RED RANSOM from its maiden bloom, but wavered over its introduction due to slow growth and low bud-count, finally introducing it with the purchase of the entire collection. We felt it should be named for the purpose of recognition, and introduced it due to insistence from some of our best customers. But we bred with it sparingly, despite the super form and color, and to our great surprise, the children were not only beautiful, but as luck would have, many of the best blooms were on big, vigorous plants. GRAND DUKE is the flower that most reminds us of an improved RED RANSOM-and bloomed in the first year seedling bed on a huge 4- fan plant! Best blooms can measure 51/2" x 31/2". Color is a very clear cherry-red; throat is vivid lime-green, and both petals and sepals are bordered in lacy piecrust ruffles. Opens flat and early, rare for a red, especially one this wide and heavy. Blooms are borne on big, strong scapes, with 2 lateral branches and a terminal cluster, and a total of about 25 buds. Foli- age is huge, lush, and vigorous; needs no winter protection here in Ohio, despite its evergreen nature. Fertile both ways; pods require persistence, but results are worth the effort. $175.00 (Benz 2001)