Sonoma William’s Sonata
Back to RegistryReceived June 3, 2021. Material for propagation and evaluation received from Kirstin Tolomeo. Seedling number Tolomeo 23. Seed had been received from Galen Burrell who had it from Bill Seidl. Parentage believed to be Seidl #35 x Seidl #211 (Seidl records show (‘Golden Era’ x ‘Chinese Dragon’) x (‘Brassy Lady’ x ‘Black Forest’)). First bloomed 2004, first propagated 2014. Midseason bloom. SINGLE to SEMI-DOUBLE flower form (with 3 or 4 rows of petals), flower size 7 inches (18 cm), 3 buds per stem. Soft yellow petals washed with red, especially towards the edges of the petals, overall effect on opening a light yellowish orange when viewed in the landscape. Reddish color fades as flower matures allowing yellow to predominate. Dark pink-red flares extend 30% of petals’ length, blurred edge. Petals cupped. Guard petals average width 3 inches (7 1/2 cm), notched at center; inner petals crinkled, somewhat ruffled. Stamens pale wine-pink at the base, yellow towards the tips. Average of 5 carpels, pale green, smooth. Stigmas yellow with normal anatomy. Sheath complete, pale pink. Fertile both ways. Fragrant. Broad-pointed green foliage, young leaves tinged reddish. Upright growth to 60 inches (152 cm). Named by Irene for her music-student grandson. In her view the various parts of the flower came together like a beautiful piece of music, and since William was writing a sonata for one of his classes at the time, her thoughts merged and inspired the name “William’s Sonata.”