Smithiantha ‘Southwest’

Smithiantha ‘Southwest’, 2015, IR151312, hybridized by Alcie Maxwell, LA (S. ‘Big Dots Rule’ x  S.’Vivian’s Gift’). Cross made 06/12, first flowered 04/13. Fertile but reproducible only vegetatively. Erect growth habit, 18-24 inches.  Leaves reddish-brown, 5 inches long x 4-6 inches wide with 2-3 inches petiole, orbicular with crenate margin, cordate base and acute tip. Calyx split, green, 0.25 inch. Pedicel 1 inch, 30 flowers on raceme. Corolla salverform, 1.5 inch long x 0.5 inch wide, carnation pink w/ cream throat and maroon streaks. Subtle blossom colors complement the reddish-brown foliage. Vigorous. Produces large rhizomes.