Precious Platinum

Where to plant. A bright red Hybrid Tea for sunny spots — as a specimen, in a bed or a rose mixed border. The upright, vigorous bush (90–150 cm) needs no support. Long, strong stems with solitary flowers make it excellent for cutting.

Climate. USDA 6b and warmer (down to about −20…−23 °C). In Ukraine (Forest-Steppe, Steppe) it overwinters well with a dry, airy winter cover. The variety is noted for its hardiness and its tolerance even of poor soils — easy to grow, even for beginners.

Care. Full sun, standard spring pruning for Hybrid Teas. It repeat-flowers in flushes from spring to autumn — removing spent flowers encourages new flushes.

Name. 'Precious Platinum' means 'precious platinum' — a marketing contrast with the flower's bright red colour (a precious cold metal against a hot crimson). In Germany the variety is known as 'Opa Pötschke', and it also appears under the name 'Red Star' — these are synonyms of the same variety.

Breeding. Bred by Patrick Dickson at Dickson Roses (Northern Ireland), introduced in 1974. Breeder's code DIClem. Parents — 'Red Planet' × 'Franklin Engelmann'.

Significance. Awarded at the Bagatelle contest (Paris, 1977) and recognised as Queen of Show ARS (2000). The AGM (Award of Garden Merit) is not confirmed. A classic bright red Hybrid Tea of the 1970s, still valued for its stable, rich colour, hardiness and stems that are good for cutting.