Rose of the Month ~ April 2003

Dortmund

This month we take a look at the large flowering Hybrid Kordesii climbing shrub, Dortmund. It was introduced in 1955. Dortmund has 5-10 petals in scarlet-red with white centers and can grow to 10 to 15 feet tall. The blooms are borne in clusters from spring to autumn and the foliage is dark green and glossy. Some resources say it can be pruned to a shrub shape, but I've found it to shoot out long canes before you can blink an eye! It also sports some very sharp thorns. The ARS rates Dortmund at 9.2. It is said to be hardy to Zone 4 and some rosarians in our area bend the canes and cover them for the winter. Others have had little dieback with only leaves and soil around the base as long as it is in a protected area. Check out the photo and links below and add your input by voting in our poll.