Rose Aquarell

'Aquarell' is a richly fragrant, large-flowered Hybrid Tea, famous above all by the fluid transition of colour across its petals: creamy to peach-yellow on the edges are washed and edged with pink, coral, and sometimes distinctly reddish tones. Its flowers are unusually large, generally and combine the upright plant of a true Hybrid Tea with the rounded, abundantly petalled appearance associated with Tantau’s Nostalgie roses. The plant is compact to medium-sized, vigorous, repeat-flowering, and well suited both to the border and to cutting. Its strong sweet-fruity fragrance compliments the beauty of the flowers well. The shifting, softly blended colouring makes each flower slightly different and gives the painterly effect expressed by its name, meaning “watercolour”.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

'Aquarell' is a modern Hybrid Tea rose developed within the Rosen Tantau breeding programme in Germany and marketed within the breeder’s group of Nostalgie roses. Although its blooms retain the long stems, upright presentation, and initially high-centred character traditionally expected of Hybrid Tea roses, they become broader, fuller, and more cup-shaped as they mature. This combination gives 'Aquarell' a less formal appearance than the sharply pointed exhibition Hybrid Teas of the mid-twentieth century while preserving their suitability as cut flowers.

The defining feature of 'Aquarell' is its colour pattern. The base of the petals may appear buttery yellow, creamy yellow, warm ivory, peach-yellow, or soft apricot according to temperature, flower age, and light intensity. Pink develops toward the margins and outer petals, sometimes becoming coral, orange-pink, rose-red, or crimson-red in strongly coloured flowers. The pigments do not form a rigid two-tone boundary; rather, one colour appears to dissolve into another. Consequently a single bush may simultaneously carry blooms that look predominantly yellow-peach, cream-pink, apricot-coral, or strongly rose-edged.

This colour variability is horticulturally important. 'Aquarell' should not be selected where a uniform bedding colour is essential; its strength lies precisely in the changing, almost translucent mixture of warm tones. It works particularly well as an individual specimen, in small groups, among perennials of blue, violet, white, cream, or muted foliage tones, and in fragrance gardens where the flowers can be approached closely. Tantau also recommends it for mixed plantings, containers, and cutting.

FLOWERING

'Aquarell' is repeat-flowering and normally produces several flushes from early summer until autumn. It is both strongly growing and particularly floriferous, starting relatively early flowering in ;ate spring or early summer depending on the climates. The established plants produce usually the strongest first flush, followed by a short period of vegetative renewal and then further cycles if spent flowers are removed and the plant receives adequate watering and nutrition.

Flowering strength depends substantially on cultivation. Deep, evenly moist soil and adequate feeding encourage new basal and lateral shoots capable of producing the next flowering cycle. Prolonged drought, exhaustion after the first flush, severe black spot defoliation, or excessive shade can create conspicuous gaps between flushes. Regular deadheading is therefore preferable when hips are not required.

Flower bud:

The developing flower buds generally display cream-yellow to pale peach petals with increasingly visible pink or reddish colouring toward the exposed petal edges. Their shape begins as the elongated to ovoid or goblet-like bud expected from a Hybrid Tea but becomes rounder and more substantial as the numerous petals expand, becoming almost globular before opening.

The sepals are medium green and enclose the young bud in the ordinary manner of a modern garden rose. The flower is carried on a comparatively long, strong peduncle and upper stem, an important trait for vase cutting.

The opening of the bud is gradual, as the petals separate, the yellow or creamy inner colour becomes visible first, followed by the increasingly noticeable pink to coral shades on the margins. The flower therefore changes profoundly between bud stage and full maturity.

Bloom:

Fully open flowers of the rose 'Aquarell' are very large, ordinarily measure about 10 - 12 cm (4 - 4.7 in) in diameter and occasionally appear larger under good agriculture and in suitable climates. Flowers may be solitary or carried several together in small clusters, particularly on vigorous flowering shoots. In the early stages the bloom may show a relatively high-centred shape, but the opening petals gradually produce a deeper cup or rounded, globular flower, and when fully open the flower demonstrates aesthetically modern “nostalgic” style of the form. The flowers are full, and have about 60 - 70 petals under favourable conditions.

The colour begins with a warm yellow, creamy yellow, or peach-yellow ground. Pink-orange or coral appears along the petal margins and often strengthens as the bloom expands, especially on the outer petals. Cooler temperatures can intensify pink and red pigmentation, whereas strong heat and sun can accelerate fading and increase the pale cream or peach shades. The resulting effect is complex and deliberately irregular: two flowers on the same plant need not show precisely the same balance of yellow and pink.

As the flower matures, the centre relaxes and the petals spread more freely. Fully open flowers are consequently broader and more informal than the bud suggests. The outermost petals often become paler and may curve backward slightly, while the coloured margins remain visible and frame the lighter centre.

The flowers appear often singly or in small clusters of 3 to 5 together, although vigorous shoots may terminate in somewhat larger clusters. This creates an unusual compromise between the classic one-flower-per-stem effect of traditional Hybrid Teas and the fuller display associated with cluster-flowering Shrub roses roses. Individual stems are strong and sufficiently long for cutting, while the large flowers remain visually prominent when seen from a distance.

Petals:

The petals of 'Aquarell' are broad and thick enough to form a large rounded flower but are not rigid. Their margins may become gently waved or irregular as the flower matures, contributing to the soft, painted appearance of the flowers. The inner petals are more tightly arranged around the centre, while the outer petals open progressively outward and create the broad cup shape for which 'Aquarell' is known.

The petals generally retain their ornamental quality well enough for cutting, and breeder-associated descriptions note that the flowers remain on the stems for a comparatively long period. Prolonged rain, however, can blemish these large, densely petalled blooms, and generally the rain tolerance is below this rose otherwise good garden performance.

The colour of the petals usually becomes softer and lighter with age, where cream, peach, apricot, pink, and coral may coexist within one flower, with the warm yellow centre and reddish margin most striking at intermediate stages of opening.

Heavy or prolonged rainfall may damage the petals of the very full flowers and can sometimes interfere with opening. Good air movement around the plant and a site receiving morning sun help wet flowers and foliage dry promptly.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of 'Aquarell' is strong, sweet, and fruity; some observers occasionally notice citrus notes, which is not unusual for Hybrid Tea roses. As with most roses, perceived strength varies with temperature, humidity, flower age, and time of day. Warm but not excessively hot conditions commonly give the richest scent, whereas very dry heat may shorten both fragrance expression and flower longevity.

Reproductive parts:

The reproductive parts become increasingly visible as mature flowers open fully, but most often they are concealed under numerous petals.

PLANT

Rose variety 'Aquarell' belongs to the Hybrid Tea class. Rosen Tantau places it more specifically among its Nostalgie® Hybrid Tea roses, a commercial and horticultural grouping characterised by large flowers with a fuller, more rounded or old-fashioned aesthetic.

A mature garden plant normally reaches about 70 - 100 cm (2.4 - 3.4 ft) in height and approximately 40 - 60 cm (1.3 - 2 ft) in width, forming an upright, bushy plant with vigorous new shoots. In fertile conditions the bush may exceed these dimensions slightly. Tantau recommends approximately four to five plants per square metre, corresponding to spacing of roughly 45 - 50 cm (18–20 in) for grouped planting. The growth character of this rose is strong and vigorous, it is able to produce new flowering flushes from early season up until frosts.

For best results, plant in full sun in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but freely drained soil. Six or more hours of direct light usually promotes the strongest repeat flowering. In very hot continental climates, some protection from the most severe afternoon sun may preserve petal colour and prolong individual flower life. The soil should not remain waterlogged, particularly in winter.

Spring pruning should follow normal Hybrid Tea practice. Remove dead, damaged, weak, and crossing stems first, then shorten healthy shoots to outward-facing buds to create an open framework. In severe winter climates pruning is best adjusted according to actual winter damage. Deadheading after each flush encourages renewed shoot production and next flushes of the flowers.

Foliage:

There is a normal quantity of the foliage for a Hybrid Tea rose on the plants of this rose. The foliage is deciduous, large in size, medium to dark green in colour, and generally glossy. The leaves are healthy and against this foliage the yellow-peach and pink flowers appear particularly luminous. The foliage is medium to relatively large in proportion to the plants and has the firm texture typical of vigorous modern Hybrid Teas.

Leaflets:

The leaves show the normal odd-pinnate form of modern roses, ordinarily with approximately five to seven leaflets on mature leaves in the middle of the flowering stem, including the terminal leaflet. The leaflets have ovate to elliptic shape, with acute apex, rounded base and serrated margins, the type of serration is single and small. The leaflets have a rather deep and distinct midrib, reticulate lateral venation, and a comparatively firm surface. The terminal leaflet is normally larger than the lateral pairs of the leaflets. The petiole and rachis support the leaflets in the standard pattern of cultivated Hybrid Tea roses.

Wood:

GThe growth habit of the stems is upright, strong, and relatively compact, with sturdy flowering stems arising from a well-branched framework. Vigorous basal shoots are important because 'Aquarell' flowers on new growth, and renewal of the framework maintains both bloom size and flowering strength. The long, firm upper stems make the cultivar especially useful for cutting. Older wood becomes grey-brown, while young stems are medium green, often with some reddish pigmentation depending on light and age; the bark is smooth. Annual removal of unproductive or crowded older wood promotes a younger, more open plant.

Prickles:

The plants of the rose variety 'Aquarell' have a normal quantity of the prickles on the main canes and on the laterals from the main canes for a Hybrid Tea rose, and gloves are advisable during pruning and handling. The prickles are rather large, have a pyramidal shape with a broad base and tapering to a sharp tip. The colour of the young prickles is purple red and they mature to brownish gray colour.

Small prickles:

Under normal growing conditions the small prickles are not observed on the main canes from the base as well as on the laterals from the main canes of the rose variety 'Aquarell'.

Disease resistance and stress tolerance:

The disease resistance of 'Aquarell' is good but not absolute. Under normal growing conditions it has good disease resistance to both powdery mildew and black spot; although under conditions of high disease pressure and favourable weather conditions rose might be significantly affected with black spot. Powdery mildew resistance is generally good in various growing conditions. There is no strong evidence that 'Aquarell' possesses exceptional genetic resistance to rust, so normal sanitation and adequate air circulation remain advisable. Avoid persistent overhead irrigation late in the day, remove heavily infected fallen leaves, and keep the centre of the plant sufficiently open during pruning.

The winter hardiness of the rose 'Aquarell' is good, it has RHS rating of H6, which corresponds to winter minimal temperature in the range of -20 to -15 °C (-4 to 5 °F). It is also rated as recommended for growing in climates similar to USDA zone 6, which is quite common for modern Hybrid Teas. In colder climates it requires substantial winter protection of the graft union and main canes to survive through winter.

The German noun “Aquarell” means a watercolour painting or watercolour work. The name is particularly appropriate because the rose does not present its yellow, peach, pink, and red pigments as sharply bounded colour zones. Instead they merge gradually across the petals in the manner of diluted pigments spreading through watercolour paper.

‘TANellqua’ is one of the formal breeder or variety denominations associated with the cultivar, while 'TANgustedV' is another denomination appearing in Tantau’s plant-variety-rights documentation. 'TAN03997' is used as an identifying breeder or selection code in horticultural commerce. These technical names should not be interpreted as additional visually distinct cultivars merely because their spelling differs.

‘Perfect Harmony’ is the documented British market name and is the name under which the RHS currently lists the rose, with 'TANgustedV' as its cultivar synonym.

‘St. Margaret’s Gold’ is the New Zealand marketing identity for TANellqua. This identity is especially well established because New Zealand rose-trial reports explicitly list ‘St. Margaret’s Gold’ with the denomination TANellqua. Thus it should be treated as a regional trade name of 'Aquarell'.

'Aquarell' has a documented competition history under more than one of its commercial names. It received a Bronze Medal at the 54th International Competition of New Roses of Madrid in 2010; the cultivar is still represented in the Madrid rose garden under the name Aquarell/TANellqua.

A Bronze Medal at the Rome Rose Trials in 2010 is also consistently recorded in specialist rose databases and nursery records.

Its most clearly documented later distinction came in New Zealand in 2017. Entered under the regional name ‘St. Margaret’s Gold’ and explicitly identified as TANellqua, it received the Best Hybrid Tea award at the New Zealand Rose of the Year trials held in Hamilton in conjunction with the Pacific Rose Bowl Festival. Contemporary reports from both the Australian rose community and the World Federation of Rose Societies record Rosen Tantau as the breeder and TANellqua as the cultivar designation.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety 'TAN03997' / 'Aquarell' is a sport, or spontaneous somatic mutation, of the Hybrid Tea rose 'Augusta Luise' ('TANgust'), a variety bred by Hans Jürgen Evers for Rosen Tantau and introduced in 1999. 'Aquarell' is associated with Hans Jürgen Evers and the Rosen Tantau breeding and selection programme in Germany.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

'TAN03997' / 'Aquarell' belongs to the later development of the Hybrid Tea in which the sharply pointed exhibition flower was no longer the only aesthetic ideal. Tantau’s "Nostalgie" roses combine the repeat-flowering garden performance of modern roses with rounded, densely petalled blooms reminiscent of older European forms. In 'Aquarell', this old-fashioned character is moderated rather than extreme: the bud still shows recognisable Hybrid Tea elegance, but the mature bloom becomes globular to cup-shaped and considerably softer in outline.

Its colour also connects it with a long tradition of yellow Hybrid Teas whose petals develop pink or red margins. Unlike older cultivars in which the two colours can remain relatively distinct, 'Aquarell' is valued for the blurred transition among cream, yellow, peach, apricot, pink, and coral. The colour is therefore not simply bicoloured but polychromatic and environmentally responsive.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

'TAN03997' / 'Aquarell' is a strongly fragrant, repeat-flowering Hybrid Tea combining the practical virtues of an upright cutting rose with an unusually soft, nostalgic flower form. Its greatest distinction lies in the variable mixture of creamy yellow, peach, apricot, pink, coral, and red, colours that appear to flow through the petals rather than forming sharply separated zones. This rose variety incorporated the following unique combination of characteristics:   very large, full to very double flowers;

  distinctive watercolour blending of cream, peach-yellow, pink, coral, and reddish petal margins;

  strong, sweet-fruity fragrance of unusually high intensity for a modern large-flowered rose;

  vigorous, upright yet comparatively compact repeat-flowering growth;

  long, strong flowering stems suitable for both garden display and cutting.

Propagation of 'Aquarell' is possible by the methods normally used for modern Hybrid Tea roses: lists hardwood cuttings in autumn, softwood cuttings under protection in spring or summer, and chip budding in summer. Commercial plants are commonly produced by budding or grafting onto selected rose rootstocks because this gives uniform, vigorous nursery stock. Own-root plants can also be obtained from sufficiently well-rooted cuttings, although their early vigour and winter behaviour may differ from grafted plants.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

While 'Augusta Luise' and its sport 'TAN03997' / 'Aquarell' both are very large-flowered, strongly scented Hybrid Teas bred or selected within the Tantau programme. Both generally produce 10–12 cm flowers, grow as vigorous upright bushes around a metre high, repeat well, and possess a conspicuous sweet-fruity fragrance. ‘Augusta Luise’ generally carries a stronger champagne-apricot, salmon, peach, or coral component throughout the flower and commonly appears more uniformly warm-toned. 'Aquarell' is lighter and more distinctly bicoloured, with a creamy to peach-yellow interior set against pink, coral, or reddish margins. Its blooms therefore tend to appear more luminous and transparent, whereas 'Augusta Luise' often gives a richer, warmer, more saturated impression.

Their floral form is very close, but ‘Augusta Luise’ commonly develops a more heavily ruffled, densely nostalgic appearance at full maturity. 'Aquarell' often retains a somewhat clearer high centre during the earlier phases of opening before relaxing into its broad cup. In garden use both have excellent fragrance and cutting roses, but 'Aquarell' is particularly useful where a lighter yellow-pink focal colour is preferred.

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

Apart from 'Augusta Luise' itself, the historic Hybrid Tea

USDA 6

USDA Zone 6 - hardiness guide