BEST DAD™ – red hybrid tea rose – RAW1064
Imagine a sheltered coastal veranda where petals of pure, vivid red hold their colour against brisk sea breezes, giving you calm visual focus after a windswept walk with children on the shore. BEST DAD™ is an upright hybrid tea bred for neat, medium-height presence in small to average family gardens, with long, high-centred stems that slip easily into a breakfast vase or a thank-you posy. Its discreet scent keeps the mood fresh rather than overpowering, while own-root reliability supports a naturally long lifespan and steady regeneration. Over time it anchors itself well, benefitting from good drainage where wetter soils meet strong coastal weather, and in a large 40–50 litre container it offers dependable summer-long structure without demanding complex maintenance.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Sunny coastal veranda in a large pot |
In a 40–50 litre container, the upright, medium-sized bush sits comfortably on a veranda, giving bright red flowers above a compact footprint. Consistent colour and moderate care needs make it an easy companion for weekends away for busy urban gardeners. |
| Small front garden feature by the door |
The tidy height and dense, olive-green foliage create a welcoming vertical accent without blocking light or windows. Bright, non-fading red blooms provide clear structure against gravel, brick or shingle, ideal where space is tight for homeowners seeking kerb appeal. |
| Cutting corner for family bouquets |
High-centred, exhibition-style flowers on long, straight stems give reliable material for simple home arrangements. The blooms open slowly and keep their colour, so even beginner gardeners can cut smart-looking stems for indoor vases for families who enjoy home-cut flowers. |
| Mixed coastal-style bed with perennials |
Planted with low Heuchera or silver Artemisia, the vivid red flowers become a calm focal point among soft foliage. Own-root plants establish steadily, building a long-term structure that suits a relaxed, low-fuss coastal look for gardeners planning long-lived plantings. |
| Single specimen near seating or tea spot |
A solitary bush at 85–115 cm height brings colour close to eye level without overwhelming a small patio. The discreet fragrance suits sheltered corners where you sit with tea after a breezy walk, keeping the mood gentle for those who prefer subtle scents. |
| Family garden flower bed with children |
The medium height and moderately thorny stems make it easier to place towards the middle of a border, away from play edges yet still visible. Stable own-root growth supports gradual thickening over the first three seasons, then reliable flowering for families wanting dependable structure. |
| Informal low hedge or path lining |
At recommended distances, plants form a loose, upright row that marks paths or separates lawn from shingle. Dense foliage and strong colour give definition even in wind-exposed spots with well-managed drainage for owners of breezy, exposed plots. |
| Container on clay-based, poorly drained sites |
Where heavy clay or winter-wet soil is an issue, growing BEST DAD™ in a generous container with free-draining compost allows you to enjoy its colour and form without soil improvement, while own-root resilience supports long life for beginners on difficult ground. |
Styling ideas
- Veranda calm – Position one plant in a 50-litre stone pot with grey gravel mulch and a low ring of Festuca to echo shingle and sea-spray light – ideal for coastal-style balcony owners.
- Front-step focus – Flank a front door with two matching containers, underplanting with dwarf Heuchera for a soft skirt of foliage that highlights the vivid red blooms – perfect for homeowners seeking smart symmetry.
- Tea-corner classic – Place a single specimen beside a bistro table, paired with lavender in nearby pots, for easy-to-cut stems and a relaxed, holiday-meets-home atmosphere – suited to those who like quiet, refined colour.
- Family cutting strip – Line a short path with three plants, leaving space to walk behind for cutting stems, and soften the base with silver Artemisia for a child-friendly, pick-your-own feel – great for families who enjoy simple home bouquets.
- Coastal tapestry – Weave BEST DAD™ through a mixed bed of sea kale, fescues and low shrubs so the upright red flowers punctuate mounds of blue-green and silver foliage – appealing to gardeners building a naturalistic seaside look.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose marketed as BEST DAD™ – red hybrid tea rose – Rawlins; registered as RAW1064, in the hybrid tea group, suited to garden and cutting use. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred in the United Kingdom by Ronnie Rawlins and introduced in 2016 by Style Roses; exact parentage and breeding institution are unknown or not recorded. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright, medium-height bush reaching around 85–115 cm with a 50–70 cm spread; dense, slightly glossy foliage, moderately thorny stems and a balanced habit for beds, containers or low hedging. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, high-centred hybrid tea blooms with 26–39 petals, mostly borne singly on stems; cuts well and repeats, giving a generous second flush of flowers in suitable conditions. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Pure, vivid red petals with glossy surface; ARS code MR, RHS 53A outer and 53B inner; colour holds extremely well with minimal matting at petal edges, maintaining impact throughout the opening period. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Very light, close-range rosy fragrance, designed more for visual effect than scent; best appreciated when cut for the house or enjoyed near seating where the discreet perfume does not dominate. |
| Hip characteristics |
Limited hip set due to full double blooms; when present, hips are small ovoid orange-red fruits around 12–18 mm, forming occasionally and adding only minor ornamental interest in late season. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy in UK conditions to around –21 to –18 °C (RHS H7, USDA 6b, Swedish zone 3); disease resistance is medium, so routine monitoring and light protective care may be useful in damp seasons. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in full sun with well-drained soil or a large 40–50 litre container; suitable for beds, specimen planting, low hedges and cutting; moderate maintenance, including basic feeding and occasional plant protection. |
BEST DAD™ offers vivid long-lasting red blooms on an upright, easy-care own-root plant that suits containers, cutting and compact family gardens, making it a thoughtful, enduring choice for your coastal or town plot.
