Large-flowered climberHans Jürgen Evers / Tantau, 2000White and cream

Elfe

Synonyms Francine Jordi; L'Alcazar®; Pride of Venus; a benchmark of the modern nostalgic climbers.

Nostalgische Rosen · Rosen Tantau

Variety profile Gardeners' photos

Variety profile

Flowering

Repeat, in waves; the first wave is massive

Awards

Tantau

High HMF ratings — 'GOOD+'

Winter hardiness

−25 °C

USDA zone 6b–9b. In Ukraine with winter protection.

Compare reference temperatures

Plant size

250–300 × 100–120 cm

Habit: A sturdy climber — canes strong, arching
Dimensions: 250–300 cm high × 100–120 cm wide
Support: Needs support — arch, pergola, wall trellis, south-facing wall
Shoots: Strong, long, form well on a support
Branching: Good; over time forms a dense framework

Flower

10–12 cm

Bud shape: Round-conical, cream-yellow
Open flower: Very double, quartered, old-fashioned form; diameter 10–12 cm
Centre: Dense lemony centre with petal curls
Fullness: Very double, 41–50 petals
Flower carriage: In small clusters on each cane

Fragrance

Moderate

Medium-delicate, fruity with damask notes.

Disease resistance

4 out of 5

Very resistant for a nostalgic class (typical Tantau-quality).

Sun

Full sun

Does not tolerate even light shade.

Thorns

Many

thornlessfewmoderatemanyvery many

Moderate to many prickles, typical for climbers.

Foliage

Dark green, leathery, healthy.

Other names

Francine Jordi, L'Alcazar, Pride of Venus, Climbing Stockholm

Breeder's code TANefle.

All characteristics in a table

Group: Large-flowered climber
Breeder: Hans Jürgen Evers / Tantau, 2000
Bud shape: Round-conical, cream-yellow
Open flower: Very double, quartered, old-fashioned form; diameter 10–12 cm
Centre: Dense lemony centre with petal curls
Colour: Ivory / cream-yellow with light green tints; the centre slightly lemony
Fullness: Very double, 41–50 petals
Flower carriage: In small clusters on each cane
Flowering: Repeat, in waves; the first wave is massive
Fragrance: Medium-delicate, fruity with damask notes
Hips: Does not form noticeable hips
Habit: A sturdy climber — canes strong, arching
Branching: Good; over time forms a dense framework
Shoots: Strong, long, form well on a support
Thorns: Moderate to many prickles, typical for climbers.
Dimensions: 250–300 cm high × 100–120 cm wide
Support: Needs support — arch, pergola, wall trellis, south-facing wall
Foliage: Dark green, leathery, healthy
Resistance: Very resistant for a nostalgic class (typical Tantau-quality)
Variations of the variety: Trade synonyms: Francine Jordi; L'Alcazar®; Pride of Venus; Climbing Stockholm

Colour scheme

Ivory / cream-yellow with light green tints; the centre slightly lemony

Rose neighbours and clematis

Other climbers in a soft palette + violet clematis for contrast:

Pierre de Ronsard New DawnClematis 'Étoile Violette'Clematis 'Mme Julia Correvon'

Companion perennials

Yellow-green palette underfoot, supporting the lemon centre of the variety:

soft lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis)Geranium 'Rozanne'light green hostaslavender 'Hidcote'

Availability worldwide

One of the most popular climbing varieties in Ukraine:

🇩🇪 Europe: VERY HIGH · Tantau · L'Alcazar · Italy
🇺🇸 USA: moderate · less often sold
🇯🇵 Asia: high · Japan
🇺🇦 Ukraine: VERY HIGH · one of the top climbers

More about the variety

Hips: Does not form noticeable hips
Variations of the variety: Trade synonyms: Francine Jordi; L'Alcazar®; Pride of Venus; Climbing Stockholm

How to grow

Where to plant. Arches, pergolas, wall trellises, south-facing house walls; looks good paired with purple clematis on the same support.

Climate. Down to −25 °C — in Ukraine with winter protection in northern regions; in the south — no protection.

Care. Formative pruning of climbers is minimal; it is important to train the main canes horizontally; standard Tantau-quality with healthy foliage.

About the name

Name. 'Elfe' — German for 'elf'; the name conveys the light, ephemeral nostalgic character of the cream-yellow quartered flowers. Several trade synonyms in different countries: Francine Jordi (after the Swiss singer), L'Alcazar® (Spain), Pride of Venus, Climbing Stockholm.

Breeding. Bred by Hans Jürgen Evers (Germany), NOT by Mathias Tantau-senior (a common mistake). Introduced by Rosen Tantau in 2000. Breeding code TANefle / TANelfe. Belongs to the Nostalgische Rosen series (Nostalgic Roses from Tantau). Parentage not disclosed (standard Tantau practice).

Significance. One of the benchmark modern nostalgic climbing roses for arches and pergolas. Belongs to the Evers breeding dynasty together with 'Candlelight', 'Cappuccino' and 'Chippendale' — Hans Jürgen Evers bred all these varieties. In Ukraine Elfe has been among the best-selling climbers over the last 20 years.

Frequently asked questions about Elfe

Does Elfe need winter protection?

The cultivar’s reference temperature is −25 °C (USDA zone 6b–9b). Overwintering depends on the conditions. In Ukraine with winter protection.

How many times a season does Elfe flower?

Repeat, in waves; the first wave is massive.

How big does Elfe grow?

250–300 cm tall, 100–120 cm wide.

Which diseases affect Elfe?

Overall resistance: 4 out of 5. Very resistant for a nostalgic class.

How much sun does Elfe need?

Sun; full sun; does not tolerate even light shade.

What does Elfe smell like?