Don Juan

Where to plant. Arches, pergolas, trellises, south walls of houses; a powerful vertical up to 4 metres; excellent for cutting thanks to its long, sturdy stems.

Climate. Down to −23 °C; in Ukraine with moderate protection in the northern regions, and without cover in the south.

Care. Formative pruning of the climber is light; it is important to train the main shoots horizontally. In humid climates, prevent black spot. Removing spent flowers encourages new waves.

Name. After Don Juan, the legendary seducer of XVII-century Spanish literature (created by Tirso de Molina in 1630, later used by Mozart, Byron and Pushkin). The name captures the dramatic, passionate, dark-red velvety nature of the variety.

Breeding. Raised by Michele Malandrone in Italy in 1958; introduced to the US through Jackson & Perkins, patent US PP 1,864 (15 September 1959). Parentage: a seedling of 'New Dawn' × 'New Yorker' (Boerner 1947, HT).

Significance. The most popular red climber in the US in the second half of the twentieth century. A little-known Italian breeder created a variety that J&P made a bestseller for a decade: a rare example of a breakthrough, when flower quality, scent and hardiness outweighed the lack of awards. Don Juan has no major official trophies (ADR, WFRS); that is its special feature: 'popular fame without academic recognition'. In Ukraine it is one of the best-selling red climbers.