Waikiki

Where to plant. In a sunny bed or border, in a warm corner of the garden; bright coral works well in a group or as an accent.

Climate. USDA 7b and warmer; heat-loving. In the colder zones of Ukraine, reliable winter cover and protection against spring frosts are needed.

Care. Full sun for at least 5–6 hours; fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering; remove spent flowers for repeat flushes.

Name. 'Waikiki', the world-famous beach in Honolulu (Hawaii); 'Waiheke', an island near Auckland (New Zealand). McGredy often gave varieties Maori or Pacific geographic names, and the same variety was sold under different 'island' names for different markets.

Breeding. Bred by Sam McGredy IV (1932–2019), the legendary New Zealand breeder (McGredy Roses International) and a master of bright floribundas (the 'hand-painted' series). Code MACwaihe, patent PP 5,429. Parentage: Tony Jacklin × Young Quinn, 1977.

Significance. A bright coral 'modest beauty', a striking Pacific colour that glows at dusk, with abundant repeat flowering. It is underrated because of its heat-loving nature, but in a warm, sunny corner it becomes a real ornament.