Lavaglut

Where to plant. Mono-red borders, hedges, urban formal groups, landscape drifts; ideal as a specimen against white or silvery neighbours for dramatic contrast.

Climate. Down to −26 °C — in Ukraine without winter protection for most of the territory; in the northern areas with little snow, moderate protection.

Care. A classic Floribunda — prune in spring to 4–6 buds; seasonal prevention of black spot is essential — the variety's weak point.

Name. 'Lavaglut' — German for 'lava glow' (Lava + Glut — 'heat, glowing embers'); the variant 'Lavaglühen' — 'lava blaze'. The name describes the flower's character precisely: a 'glowing' dark red, like molten lava. A descriptive, poetic name typical of Kordes in the 1970s (alongside Flammentanz 'fire dance', Friesia 'Frisian').

Breeding. Bred by Reimer Kordes at W. Kordes' Söhne (Sparrieshoop, Germany), bred in 1978, on the market in 1979. Code KORlech. Parentage: 'Gruss an Bayern' (Floribunda, Kordes 1971) × unnamed seedling. Reimer Kordes is the 3rd generation of the Kordes house (alongside Friesia, 1973, in our catalogue).

Significance. One of the best-known dark red Floribundas of the late 1970s; considered one of the best dark red Floribundas in its class — consistently high ratings from American rose societies. A classic for borders and hedges. RNRS Trial Ground Certificate 1980 (UK). RHS Award of Garden Merit not confirmed (contrary to some sources — there is no RHS AGM in the official list). No direct ADR confirmation found. Common mistakes: confusing it with the American 'Intrigue' (Warriner, J&P 1982, purple with fragrance — a different variety!); confusing it with 'Black Magic' (Tantau, Hybrid Tea — a different class and breeder!).