About the name
Name. “Rumba” — from the Latin American dance rumba, which originates in Cuba (hence the synonym “Cuba Dance”). The name conveys the “fiery” yellow-red character of the variety, its colours shifting like a passionate dance. The poetic Danish tradition of Poulsen naming varieties after dances and music (Rumba, Tango).
Breeding. Bred by Svend Poulsen at Poulsen Roser A/S (Denmark), one of the leading Scandinavian rose nurseries. Code POULrum. Introduced 1958 in Denmark, 1959 (UK), 1961 (Australia), 1962 (USA). Parentage: 'Masquerade' × ('Poulsen's Bedder' × 'Floradora'). From its mother, Masquerade (Boerner 1949), it received its characteristic yellow-orange-red colouring with a transition — the “chameleon effect”.
Significance. RNRS Certificate of Merit 1959 + Trial Ground Certificate 1959 (UK) + 2nd Certificate Madrid 1960. US Plant Patent PP1919 (1960). An important correction: information about an AARS 1963 is NOT confirmed (a common myth in catalogues). In 1963 the AARS winners were Royal Highness, Tropicana and King's Ransom — not Rumba. There is also no information about Portland/Geneva/Belfast Gold in reliable sources. A classic example of mid-twentieth-century Danish breeding. Its spicy scent is a rare combination in Floribunda. Today it is less common and is valued by collectors as a typical example of the “Masquerade family” of varieties.