A New Spray Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) Cultivar, “Orion”

A new cultivar of Dianthus caryophyllus “Orion” was selected from the progenies of a cross “Rossini” and “Tropic Butterfly” in 1998 at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration. It was finally selected in 2002 after the investigation of the characteristics for four years (1998-2002). “Orion” was developed for a cut flower with a spray type. It has purple flower color with dark purple center. “Orion” has early flowering habit and a beautiful flower type with the short node of upper shoot. Optimum temperature for its growth are over 8℃ at night and under 25℃ at day in summer. The cultivar was applied for a variety protection 2002 and was released to the growers and commercialized in 2003.