Snowfire

Where to plant. As a solo accent in a bed, thanks to its dramatic bicolour; in 'genealogical' collections next to Osiria; in a fragrance corner, despite its light scent, for the visual effect; for cutting, thanks to its long stems and tall classic flower form.

Climate. Ukraine South / West without winter protection (USDA 6b-9b); in the East / Centre, winter protection is needed.

Care. Full sun; prevention against black spot; feed 3 times per season; prune ⅓ in spring; water at the root, not on the foliage.

Name. 'Snowfire' = 'snow fire' (English). For the contrast of the snow-white petal reverse (snow) and the flame-red top (fire): a dramatic, poetic name for a bicolour flower. Typical Kordes poetics of the 1970s: contrasting Anglo-German images for easy recognition.

Breeding. Bred by Reimer Kordes at W. Kordes' Söhne (Sparrieshoop, Germany). Introduced 1970, in the US through Jackson & Perkins. US Patent PP 3,014, dated 12.01.1971. Parentage: 'Detroiter' (HT, Kordes 1952) × 'Liberty Bell™' (HT, Kordes 1955/63).

Significance. Parent of the legendary Osiria (Kordes 1978). It was from Snowfire Osiria that Osiria inherited her famous red-and-white character, which made her one of the most recognisable HT roses of the HT XX century. Without Snowfire, Osiria would not exist. A classic example of the 1970s bicolour Hybrid Teas, a period when breeders actively experimented with contrasting two-tone varieties (Double Delight, Granada and Osiria all appeared within one decade). A dramatic contrast: when the flower opens, two opposing colours are visible on one petal, white inside and red outside. Long stems make it good for cutting. There are no major international awards (ADR/AARS): Snowfire is known above all as the 'genetic father' of Osiria, not as an independent competition winner.