Schöne Koblenzerin

Where to plant. In low borders along paths; in small beds; in containers on a terrace thanks to its compact size; as the front of a mixed border; do not plant too densely, as it needs air circulation to prevent rust.

Climate. Ukraine Centre, without winter protection or with light mulching (USDA 6b); copes well with summer heat.

Care. Full sun in a well-ventilated spot (to prevent rust); moderate disease prevention; feed 2-3 times per season; prune ⅓ in spring.

Name. 'Schöne Koblenzerin' = 'Beautiful Woman from Koblenz' (German). Named after the city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet: a typical 'city' naming, like Sourire du Havre for Le Havre. The christening took place in Koblenz itself in 2011.

Breeding. Bred by Tim Hermann Kordes at W. Kordes' Söhne (Sparrieshoop, Germany). Breeding began in 1999, introduced 2011. Parentage not published. US Patent PP 23,121, dated 23.10.2012. An important correction: this variety is not Hetzel (as is often wrongly stated in secondary catalogues) but Kordes, a modern Beetrose from the 2010s.

Significance. ADR 2009, a prestigious German award for resilience, granted on 09.09.2009, before the commercial release in 2011 (a rare speed). Two-tone contrast: velvety red centre plus a silvery-white reverse to the petals, a play of light. An unusually large number of names in different countries: sold under different international labels as Anne Roumanoff (France), Ruby Ice, Marie Rottrová (Czech Republic, after the Czech singer) and Gaku no Yume (Japan), an unusually high number of renamings for one variety. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, pots and balcony arrangements. It is susceptible to rust and needs a well-ventilated spot.