Polka

Where to plant. On arches, pergolas, trellises and walls — its main use; as a romantic accent in the garden; it combines well with pastel climbers or stands alone as an accent among neutral perennials.

Climate. All of Ukraine without cover (USDA 5a, to −29 °C); copes well with summer heat. High resistance to disease and rain.

Care. Full sun or light shade; a sturdy support is essential; feed 2–3 times per season; prune by ⅓ in spring — remove old and weak canes; minimal disease prevention thanks to its high resistance.

Name. "Polka" — after the musical dance: playful, festive associations. Part of the Meilland series with musical names (Mozart, Symphonie, Polka). In different countries the variety has 5 trade names: 🇫🇷 Polka, 🇬🇧 Lord Byron, 🇺🇸 Scented Dawn, and others — Twilight Glow, Pretty Lady. Lord Byron — after the British Romantic poet G. G. Byron (1788–1824), typical of romantic climbers.

Breeding. Bred by Jacques Mouchotte for Meilland International (France). Code MEItosier. Introduced 1991 in France and 1992 in the USA. Parentage: ('MEIpalsar' × 'Golden Showers' [Lammerts 1956]) × 'Lichtkönigin Lucia' (LCl, Kordes 1966) — the combination of three climbers gave a unique quartered form with wavy edges.

Significance. One of the most popular apricot climbers of the last 30 years. ~90–100 petals — a record doubleness among climbers. Wavy (frilly) petal edges — a rare feature that adds romantic character. 5 trade names in different countries — uncommon, but important for marketing. High disease resistance — a rare combination with such doubleness. Shown at Bagatelle and Le Roeulx. No major official awards (ADR was not given), but 30+ years of global commercial success confirm its value.