Red Devil

Where to plant. An exhibition Hybrid Tea for a sunny spot and fertile soil. The upright bush (90–150 × 50–100 cm) carries large double flowers on sturdy stems without support. A striking solo plant in a bed, and a cut flower for bouquets. Companions: the silvery foliage of lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) and the cool blue tones of salvia and catmint (Nepeta) bring out the silvery reverse of the petals and the rich scarlet; gypsophila adds lightness next to the heavy double bloom.

Climate. USDA 4b–9b, RHS H6 (~−20…−15 °C) — it overwinters in Ukraine under standard Hybrid Tea winter protection. Very resistant to disease (4–5/5). There is no data on how it copes with rain — large double flowers usually ball in wet weather, but this is not documented for Red Devil, so we do not claim it.

Name. 'Red Devil' — for its intense scarlet and large, 'blazing' flowers that stand out in the garden.

Breeding. Bred by Patrick Dickson at Alex Dickson & Sons (Northern Ireland) — before 1965; introduced around 1967–1970. Parents: Silver Lining × Prima Ballerina. Registration code DICam; synonyms Coeur d'Amour and J.P. Red Devil (not to be confused with 'Coeur en Fête').

Significance. A classic exhibition Hybrid Tea — very double (72–75 petals), large (~14 cm), strongly fragrant. It won a series of awards: RNRS Certificate of Merit 1965, a fragrance prize at Monza 1966, gold at Tokyo 1967, gold and Best HT at Belfast 1969, gold at Portland 1970. It belongs to the Dickson dynasty — a family of rose breeders working since 1836.