Rosa Westerland (Korwest) - Hybrid Shrub Rose

The Westerland Rose, born in Germany in 1969, is now a classic. It is undoubtedly an excellent garden shrub which is disease resistant, repeat flowering and intensely fragrant. This polyantha hybrid continuously produces long clusters of semi-double flowers with a light fruity fragrance, in various shades of coppery orange and apricot, crossed by red highlights and yellow blushes that radiate under the sun. Its abundant foliage, which is a shiny green colour is disease-resistant and forms a beautiful setting for these roses with their unique and warm colour. This upright-growing rose can also be trained as a climber in hot climates.

The Westerland rose, belonging to the group of modern hybrids, holds a very selective quality label. ADR is the label of the German Federation of Rose Growers. The ADR designation is only granted to varieties that have passed the strictest tests in the world. The plants are tested simultaneously at 10 different locations, in various soil and climatic conditions for several years. The tests focus on hardiness, perennial nature and flowering without the use of any pesticides.

With a naturally upright habit, the Rose Westerland develops strong branches and will reach an average height of 1.75m (6ft) with a spread of 1.50m (5ft). Its growth, a bit slow at first, accelerates later on: this variety needs to establish itself and form its structure before reaching its full potential and delivering its incredible flowering. Flowers appear in mid-June, earlier or later depending on the region, and continues until September, or even October if the weather permits. The flowers, gathered in generous clusters at the end of the branches, are 9 to 10cm (4in) wide. They are a rare colour, a coppery orange tinged with pink, apricot and golden yellow that harmonise well with the almost red colour of the pointed buds. These slightly double roses, with a more open centre, are composed of 6 to 19 undulate and slightly serrated petals. They release an intense fragrance.

Plant the Rose Westerland in a hedge, in the company of other sturdy roses or flowering shrubs. It will also work well placed in the centre of a bed of yellow-flowering perennials such as lady's mantle, daylilies, coreopsis, and basket of gold. Its combination with the blue or mauve flowers of perennial geraniums (Rozanne, Johnson Blue) and campanulas is remarkably graphic. You can also train it to climb up to 4m (13ft) on an arch or a small tree.

Obtained by W. Kordes & Sons in 1969.