BEST DAD™ – red hybrid tea rose – RAW1064
BEST DAD™ is a classic, high-centred red hybrid tea that You can plant with confidence if You want a rose that looks refined without demanding expert care. Its upright habit and long, straight stems make it ideal for cutting, while in the border it forms a neat, medium-height bush that suits the scale of most family gardens. The vivid red blooms hold their colour remarkably well, staying clear and bright even in damp Irish weather and persistent light rain, where many reds fade or dull. Flowering starts early in summer and, with basic feeding and deadheading, You can enjoy repeats of large, double flowers through the season. As an own-root plant it builds up its structure gradually, giving You a long-lived bush that comes back reliably after hard winters and routine pruning. In year one it focuses on roots, in year two it builds up strong shoots, and by year three it shows its full display of garden presence. This makes it a reassuring choice if You want a straightforward, medium-care rose that still feels special enough for gifts, front gardens and sentimental plantings.
Use cases
| Target area |
Reason |
| Front garden focal point |
Its upright, medium-tall habit and large, formal blooms give You an immediate “proper rosebush” look without taking over a small front garden, ideal beside a path or near the door for those who enjoy a classic feel, especially suitable for beginners |
| Cutting patch or mixed cutting bed |
High-centred, solitary blooms on good stems provide reliable cut flowers in a vivid, non-fading red, perfect if You like to bring roses indoors for vases or to mark family occasions with home-grown bunches, a pleasure for homeowners |
| Small group planting (1–5 plants) in a sunny bed |
Planted in a loose group, the dense foliage and consistent flower form create a smart, unified look around terraces or lawn edges, giving structure and colour without complex design work, ideal for time-poor families |
| Container on a sheltered patio or balcony |
In a minimum 40–50 litre container, BEST DAD™ forms a tidy, upright shrub whose flowers are held at a comfortable viewing height, a good choice for paved spaces or rented homes where You want impact that can move with You, attractive for renters |
| Feature rose in a family or commemorative planting |
The name and deep red colour suit plantings for Father’s Day or to remember a loved one; its own-root longevity means the original bush can mature with the garden, offering a stable, living tribute valued by sentimental gardeners |
| Sunny mixed border with perennials |
Dense, slightly glossy foliage and repeat flowering sit well among perennials like dwarf heuchera or silver artemisia, so the rose reads as part of the whole border rather than a stand-alone specimen, useful for design-conscious owners |
| Urban or suburban gardens with damp, mild weather |
The excellent colour retention means blooms stay bright and handsome even through prolonged Irish drizzle and overcast spells, so beds look cared-for for longer between visits outside, reassuring for busy urbanites |
| Hedge-like row along a path or driveway |
Regular spacing at around 45–50 cm creates a formal row where the upright bushes and uniform red flowers read as a low hedge, guiding the eye and giving structure with just basic pruning once a year, suiting practical-minded beginners |
Decorating ideas
- COTTAGE PATH LINE – Plant a short row along a front path with dwarf silver Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Nana’ at the feet for a soft, grey-green edge and repeat red blooms above – ideal for romantic cottage-style gardeners
- RED FEATURE POT – Grow one plant in a 40–50 litre terracotta pot on a sunny patio, underplanting with low heucheras to hide the compost surface – perfect for balcony and terrace rose lovers
- MEMORY CORNER – Use a single BEST DAD™ beside a bench or birdbath, with white flowering perennials behind, for a calm, commemorative spot – suited to those marking special family memories
- SMART DRIVEWAY EDGE – Repeat-plant along a short driveway, mulched neatly and paired with compact evergreens like small cherry laurel ‘Miki’ – for homeowners who like clean lines with traditional colour
- MIXED CUTTING STRIP – Combine BEST DAD™ with other roses and seasonal annuals in a sunny side bed dedicated to cut flowers – great for hobby florists who enjoy arranging their own garden bouquets
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose; registered as RAW1064, marketed as BEST DAD™ hybrid tea rose RAW1064. Part of the hybrid tea rose group for garden and cutting use. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Ronnie Rawlins in the United Kingdom and introduced in 2016 via Style Roses. Exact parentage and formal registration year are not documented. |
| Growth and structure |
Medium-height, upright bush reaching approximately 85–115 cm with a 50–70 cm spread. Dense, slightly glossy foliage; young leaves dark red, maturing to olive-green. Moderately thorny canes. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, high-centred, pointed-bud hybrid tea blooms held mainly singly on stems. Approximately 26–39 petals, suitable for cutting and exhibition-style displays. |
| Colour and phenology |
Pure, vivid red flowers with a glossy, unshaded surface and excellent colour retention. The red hue remains bright from bud to full bloom with only slight matting at the petal margins over time. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Very light scent, noticeable only at close range. Delicate, classic rosy character rather than a strong perfume, making it unobtrusive near seating areas or doorways. |
| Rose hip characteristics |
Rose hips form only occasionally due to the double flowers. When present, they are ovoid, orange-red, around 12–18 mm in diameter, providing modest late-season interest. |
| Resistance and hardiness |
Hardy to around -21 to -18 °C (H7, USDA 6b, Swedish zone 3). Disease resistance is medium for powdery mildew, black spot and rust, so occasional protection or preventive care may be needed. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Suitable for flower beds, specimen planting, groups, hedging and large containers. Recommended spacing 45–80 cm depending on use, or around 4 plants per m². |
BEST DAD™ offers vivid, long-lasting red blooms, reliable repeat flowering and an upright bush that matures steadily as an own-root rose, a sound choice if You would like a classic red hybrid tea that fits easily into everyday garden care.