Abracadabra

Where to plant. The front of a mixed border, edging, groups of 3–5 bushes, containers on a terrace or balcony. As a striking 'focal' rose, a specimen in a compact garden.

Climate. Hardy to −23 °C; in the northern and eastern regions of Ukraine (Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions) light winter protection is advisable.

Care. Needs regular preventive treatment against fungal diseases (1–2 treatments per season), especially in a wet summer. In a hot, dry spell the pattern on the petals shows up better.

Name. 'Abracadabra' is an old magical incantation that was used as an amulet against illness in ancient Rome. For this variety the name hints at its magically changing colour: each flower is unique, and the pattern never repeats, like a spell. The variety continues Kordes' 'magical' line: its parent is Hocus Pocus, its grandparent is Black Beauty.

Breeding. Bred by the German nursery W. Kordes' Söhne and introduced in 2001. Breeder's code: KORhocsel. A sport of 'Hocus Pocus' (KORpriwa, 2000), which is itself a sport of 'Black Beauty' (1996).

Significance. One of the best-known striped roses in the world. Each flower is unique in its pattern, which makes the variety a collector's and photogenic rose. It often appears on social media and in garden-design catalogues as an example of a 'surprising' variety.