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Mary Helen Eggenberger

Colors

PinkWhitePurpleYellowOrange

Description

Unnamed Moragne seedling, not a JL seedling, named in honor of Richard Eggenberger's late wife, Mary Helen, by the co-author of The Handbook on Plumeria Culture. Similar in appearance to Double Delight and the only true pinkish white among Bill Moragne's previously unnamed seedlings. Produces 3.5 to 4-inch flowers with a pink splash on one side of white petals, a yellow throat, and a pink band on the reverse. Petals are round, slightly overlapping with slightly pointed tips. The yellow center sends shining rays onto the petals. Inflorescences are large, basketball-sized bouquets that open from the outside inward like a lei ring. Buds are lilac. Compact in height with many branches and flower heads; the original mature tree was about 5 to 6 feet tall and at least 10 feet wide. The tree is full and evenly branched without the elongated growth habit of some Moragne cultivars. Can bloom on new tips. A defining Moragne characteristic is the large throat orifice. Good graft host. Sets seed.

Appearance

White petals with a pink splash, bright pink along the edge, yellow center with an eye, and a darker pink band on the reverse; round, slightly overlapping petals with slightly pointed tips and a slight ruffle; 3.5 to 4 inches.

Bloom

Basketball-sized bouquets with almost every branch carrying an inflorescence; opens from the outside inward like a lei ring; can bloom on new tips.

Fragrance

Sweet, spicy rose; reminiscent of Gold Coast Peach and of sweet, spicy valentine candies.

Growth & Foliage

Compact height (original tree 5 to 6 feet tall, at least 10 feet wide), full and evenly branched without the elongated habit of some Moragnes.

Cultivation Tips

Good graft host.

Provenance

Previously unnamed Moragne seedling, not a JL seedling, named in honor of Richard Eggenberger's late wife by the co-author of The Handbook on Plumeria Culture.