Rose Baronesse

'Baronesse' is a bright, richly coloured Floribunda known above all by its exceptionally full, old-fashioned rosette flowers in an intense magenta-pink to deep fuchsia-pink colour. It combines the romantic, quartered flower form closely associated with the Tantau’s Nostalgie roses with a relatively low, densely branched plant and glossy dark-green foliage. The individual flowers are modest, but their abundance, saturated colour and unusually persistent form give the plant considerable visual weight in a border. The flowers are also notably durable and retain their colour well, making the rose useful both as a bedding rose and for cutting. Although fragrance is only slight, 'Baronesse' compensates with repeat flowering, compact habit, good foliage health and a striking contrast between the deep pink flowers and dark leaves.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

Floribunda rose variety 'Baronesse' combines a relatively small, neat shrub with an exceptionally full flower of distinctly historical character and produces substantial, very full rosettes in clusters. The flowers are an unusually strong magenta-pink rather than the softer shell, salmon or blush tones common among “nostalgic” roses, and the colour is very stable and resistant to fading. The plants of this rose are exceptionally hardy, very bushy and quite compact, covered in glossy dark-green foliage, and most importantly its flowers remain ornamental for a long period.

In the modern garden it is particularly valuable where a rose must remain visually controlled rather than developing into a large shrub. Its strong colour makes it effective as a repeated accent in formal or informal borders, while the compact dimensions permit cultivation in substantial containers. It also works well in groups, where the relatively small individual rosettes combine into a broad field of magenta-pink. Tantau recommends it for mixed gardens, pots and tubs, as well as for cutting, and suggests five to six plants per square metre at approximately 40 - 50 cm (16 - 20 in) spacing when a continuous planted effect is desired.

FLOWERING

'Baronesse' is a repeat-flowering rose, its normal flowering season begins in early summer and continues through successive flushes into autumn, with the precise duration of the flowering highly dependent on climate, nutrition and deadheading. As typical Floribundas produce a large number of flowering clusters and a mature, well-fed plant can therefore carry buds, newly opened flowers and mature rosettes at the same time, becoming literally covered with flowers.

The first major flush is usually the most synchronized, after which the plant renews flowering in cycles. Removing spent clusters above a well-developed leaf encourages the production of fresh flowering shoots. Because the flowers are exceptionally full and long-lasting, an individual flush can remain decorative for an extended period even before the next generation of buds opens. In temperate regions with long autumns, flowering may continue well into the latter part of the season; in continental climates, shortening days and the first substantial frosts naturally bring the cycle to an end. The overall effect of the flowering plant is rich: the dark foliage forms a visually recessive background, while the saturated flowers read clearly from a distance.

Flower bud:

The developing buds of this rose are compact and have rounded to broadly ovoid shape, carrying the deep pink colour that later dominates the open flower. Before the petals expand, the deeper colour can appear particularly concentrated around the exposed petal margins. Opening is gradual, which is an important characteristic in a rose whose ornamental effect depends on maintaining a tightly constructed rosette before the centre finally loosens.

The arrangement of the sepals is regular, they have lanceolate shape with downy upper surface texture and glandular lower surface. The colour of the sepals is yellow-green on both surfaces. There are 3 slightly appendaged sepals and there are 2 unappendaged sepals with slightly hairy edges. Peduncles and flowering stems are sufficiently firm to support the heavily petalled flowers, and its use as an outdoor cut rose confirms that its flowering canes possess useful stem strength.

Bloom:

The open flowers of the Floribunda rose 'Baronesse' are medium sized, when fully open they typically have 6 - 8 cm (2.4 - 3.1 in) in diameter in the garden under normal growing conditions. cultivation. Its defining feature is the very full, densely filled, rosette shaped flowers with numerous petals arranged concentrically and, toward the centre divide into the irregular quadrants and swirling folds characteristic of a quartered Old roses. The bloom initially opens as globular or deeply cupped rosette and with maturity it relaxes into a broader and flatter compact, many-petalled quartered rosette where the centre is surrounded by increasingly broad outer petals.

The colour of the Floribunda rose 'Baronesse' instead of parent rosy pink, shows off the stronger end of the pink spectrum: intense magenta-pink, deep rose-pink or fuchsia-pink are more appropriate definitions of its colour. Different growing conditions and temperature can make it appear somewhat warmer or cooler, but the general impression of the colour of the flowers is saturated and vivid. Importantly the flowers are capable of retaining their colour well instead of quickly bleaching even in bright sunlight, which is exceptionally useful characteristics for a flower of such colour range.

Flowers are generally borne in small to medium sized clusters, typically having 1 - 15 blooms together and clusters typically have flat shape. Because each bloom is so full, even relatively small clusters appear substantial. At complete opening a glimpse of the golden reproductive centre may become visible, particularly in older flowers.

Petals:

'Baronesse' has very full flowers, the number of the petals varies around 80 - 100 petals. Such variation is entirely credible in a highly full rose, because petal number is influenced by temperature, nutrition, shoot strength and the stage at which a flower is counted. The outer petals are relatively broad and form the structural cupped perimeter of the bloom. The inner petals become progressively narrower, more folded and more intricately arranged, producing the quartered centre. Margins are gently waved or softly irregular, and their undulation becomes more apparent as the flower opens.

The petals possess enough substance to make the bloom comparatively durable and suitable for cutting. Their colour generally remains strong through maturity; the outermost petals may soften somewhat with age, but quick fading is not something that happens to the flowers of this rose. In prolonged cold rain, the sheer density of the corolla can naturally make old blooms slower to shed or dry than less double Floribundas, so removal of weather-damaged flowers is useful in wet climates.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of this rose is weak and should not be a primary reason for choosing 'Baronesse'. Tantau describes it simply as light, and places fragrance at the lowest end of the breeder’s scale.

Reproductive parts:

The many petals conceal most reproductive structures during the early and middle stages of flowering. When flowers open fully, yellow to golden stamens may become visible around the centre, especially as the innermost petals relax.

PLANT

Rose variety 'Baronesse' belongs horticulturally to the modern Floribunda class. Tantau markets 'Baronesse' more specifically among its Nostalgie® bedding roses, a commercial grouping characterized by flowers recalling the cups, rosettes and quartered centres of Old Roses while retaining the recurrent flowering and garden performance expected of modern hybrids. 'Baronesse' represents a much later stage of the development of the Floribunda class: a compact cluster-flowering rose in which the flower itself has been transformed into an extremely full nostalgic rosette.

The mature and well-established plants of this variety typically reach a more compact size compared to its parent, growing to approximately 50 - 80 cm (1.8 - 2.6 ft) in height and commonly to around 50 - 60 cm (1.8 - 2 ft) in width. Although fertile soils and long growing seasons can produce a broader mature specimen. The growth habit of this rose is very robust, dense, bushy, compact and generally upright. The plant is capable of forming numerous flowering laterals, so it appears quite rounded and dense.

For this rose a site in full sun is preferable, although some light afternoon shade can be beneficial where summer heat is severe. Soil should be fertile, humus-rich and moisture-retentive yet freely drained. Persistent waterlogging is more dangerous to winter survival than ordinary cold. A mulch of compost or well-rotted organic matter in spring helps maintain moisture and soil structure, while balanced rose fertilizer after the first spring growth and again after the first major flush supports repeat flowering.

Pruning is best carried out toward the end of winter or in early spring when severe frosts have largely passed. Dead, diseased, damaged and crossing wood should first be removed, followed by shortening of healthy shoots to maintain an open, balanced framework. Floribundas tolerate firmer pruning than large shrub roses; on established plants the strongest shoots may be shortened substantially, while weaker growth can be cut harder. In cold continental districts it is prudent to postpone decisive pruning until the risk of major sub-zero events has diminished, because unpruned upper growth provides some protection and reveals which wood has survived winter.

During the flowering season, entire spent clusters should be removed to a vigorous outward-facing leaf or lateral. This keeps the compact framework tidy and stimulates renewed flowering. The cultivar is equally suitable for a repeated low hedge, the front or middle of a rose border, mixed perennial planting and large containers. Containers should be generously sized because the small top growth should not be mistaken for a tiny root system, and winter protection of container roots is substantially more important than for plants established in the ground.

Foliage:

The foliage is one of the cultivar’s strongest supporting ornamental features. It is dark green and glossy, densely covers the plant, creating an effective contrast with the bright magenta-pink flowers. Leaves are sufficiently dense to clothe the compact framework and prevent the plant from appearing bare between flushes. The foliage is medium sized and has comparatively firm texture characteristic of healthy modern Floribundas. The glossy upper surface is especially noticeable on mature foliage. Young foliage may naturally be somewhat lighter in colour but typically do not demonstrate distinctive bronze or purple juvenile coloration.

Leaflets:

The leaves of this rose are typical compound and imparipinnate, the normal medium sized leaves in the middle of the flowering stems typically have five leaflets, with occasional variations to seven leaflets, including the terminal leaflet. The terminal leaflet is larger than the laterals; individual leaflets are broadly ovate to elliptic in shape with an acute or shortly acuminate tip and serrate margins, the type of serration is single and medium. The venation pattern is pinnate, with a strong midrib and branching lateral veins visible more clearly beneath the blade. The petiole and rachis are green and support the paired lateral leaflets and terminal leaflet.

Wood:

The plant develops sturdy, relatively upright and thick basal and secondary canes followed by abundant lateral branching. This habit gives 'Baronesse' its dense, rounded Floribunda shape and permits numerous flowering canes without requiring a tall plant. Young stems are green and become firmer and more lignified with age, as is normal in modern roses, and are strong and long enough to be used for cutting.

Prickles:

Rose variety 'Baronesse' is generally regarded as well armed with prickles. The quantity of prickles on the main canes from base is many, the number per stem length is about 12 - 15 per 10 cm of the stem length. On laterals from main canes there are few prickles, about 5 - 6 per 10 cm of the stem length. They have deep concave form, the length is about 7 - 8 mm. The colour of the young prickles is medium brown purple, the mature prickles have dark brown gray colour.

Small prickles:

Under the normal growing conditions the small prickles and minor stem armature is not observed on the main canes, on the laterals or in the flowering stems of this rose variety.

Disease resistance and stress tolerance:

Floribunda rose 'Baronesse' has very good disease resistance, is extremely robust. It has very good resistance to powdery mildew, good to very good performance against black spot, and strong resistance to botrytis and rust. These characteristics describe resistance rather than immunity; under prolonged leaf wetness, heavy inoculum pressure, nutritional stress or poor air circulation, infection can still occur. The sensible agricultural approach is preventive: provide sun, airflow and adequate spacing, irrigate the soil rather than repeatedly wetting foliage late in the day, remove diseased fallen leaves where fungal pressure is severe, and maintain balanced rather than excessive nitrogen nutrition.

Cold tolerance is good for a modern Floribunda. It is commonly recommended for growing in climates similar to around USDA Zone 6, corresponding approximately to hardiness in average annual extreme minima of -23 to -18°C (-10 to 0°F). In severe continental winters, especially where temperatures fall below the normal Zone 6 range or alternate repeatedly between thaw and deep frost, mound the crown or graft union with 15 - 25 cm (6–10 in) of loose soil, compost or another breathable insulating material after the ground begins to cool. Snow cover is beneficial. In very exposed sites, wind desiccation may kill upper shoots even when the crown survives, so shelter from persistent winter winds is useful.

The German word Baronesse means “baroness”, the female holder of, or woman associated with, the rank of Baron. The name therefore carries an intentionally aristocratic tone that suits the cultivar’s formal, tightly quartered flowers and the broader historical aesthetic of Tantau’s Nostalgie rose collection. Up to this date no explanations behind the naming of this rose from Tantau is published.

Rosen Tantau also records ‘Mary Berry’ as the United Kingdom synonym for this garden rose. The underlying breeder denomination used by Tantau’s professional division is 'Tan97094edV', while the RHS currently indexes the trade name under the shorter ‘Tan97094’.

The trade name 'Baronesse' was reused by Tantau several times. In particular, the name originally belonged to the orange-red Hybrid Tea 'Baronesse' ('TANessenor'). After the withdrawal of this rose from the market the name was given for later red cutting Hybrid Tea rose 'Baronesse' ('Tan13029') and for this magenta-pink Nostalgie Floribunda rose 'Baronesse' ('Tan97094edV') in 2009.

'Tan97094edV' / 'Baronesse' has received a Gold Medal at Rome, Italy, in 2011; Best Floribunda at La Tacita, Italy, in 2011; and the Rosa de la Gent Gran award at Barcelona, Spain, in 2011.

Tantau also records an ÖRP Award in Austria for 2011/2012 for 'Tan97094edV' / 'Baronesse', while the breeder’s 2025 catalogue presents this recognition more simply as ÖRP Rose 2012.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety 'Tan97094edV' / 'Baronesse' originated as a sport (mutation) of the well-known cultivar 'Mariatheresia' and was introduced by Rosen Tantau of Germany as a garden rose in 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

'Tan97094edV' / 'Baronesse' belongs to the mature phase of Floribunda breeding and Rosen Tantau’s Nostalgie® programme is representative of this development. 'Baronesse' is especially successful in this respect because its individual flowers are very full, their concentric, quartered arrangement produces a convincing rosette, while the plant beneath remains unmistakably a compact modern bedding rose. Its relationship to 'Mariatheresia' is horticulturally significant. 'Mariatheresia', introduced in 2003, is a soft-pink Floribunda with dark glossy foliage, full clusters and characteristically lush flowering shoots. Six years later the 'Baronesse' mutation offered essentially the same romantic floral language in a more assertive colour. This made it possible for gardeners to use a closely related form where pale pink would disappear against a light background or where a stronger accent was desired.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety 'Tan97094edV' / 'Baronesse' is a particularly coherent modern Floribunda: compact enough for bedding and containers, sufficiently robust for ordinary garden culture, and endowed with a flower form normally associated with much larger romantic shrub roses. Its strongest assets are the deep magenta-pink colour, exceptionally full quartered rosettes, dark glossy foliage, long flower persistence and good resistance to the principal foliar diseases. This rose variety incorporated the following unique combination of characteristics:

  intense, stable magenta-pink colouring combined with a densely quartered, old-fashioned rosette form;

  compact, densely branched Floribunda growth character, suitable for borders, mass planting and containers;

  dark, glossy foliage with very good resistance to powdery mildew and good resistance to black spot in Tantau evaluations;

  reliable repeat flowering and good winter constitution, despite only light to negligible fragrance.

The propagation methods suitable for the rose 'Baronesse' include: budding or grafting onto suitable rose rootstocks, and softwood or semi-ripe stem cuttings where the cultivar roots satisfactorily on its own roots.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

'Mariatheresia' and 'Baronesse' share the most important structural characters. Both are Nostalgie Floribundas with dark, glossy foliage, bushy growth, recurrent flowering and very full Old rose. Their individual bloom diameter is similar, around 6 - cm, and both carry flowers in clusters. The quartered rosette form of 'Baronesse' also inherits its forms from 'Mariatheresia'. The principal distinction is colour. 'Mariatheresia' is soft pink, with a gentle romantic effect while 'Baronesse' shifts this pigmentation decisively toward intense magenta-pink or fuchsia-pink. The result is much stronger contrast against the shared dark-green foliage. 'Mariatheresia' is also somewhat taller, approximately 100 - 150 cm (3.3 - 5 ft), and Tantau notes that its numerous flowering stems can develop into curving trails. 'Baronesse' at approximately 50 - 80 cm, is more compact and upright-bushy. This makes 'Mariatheresia' somewhat looser and more informal in the border, while 'Baronesse' more readily forms a dense block of colour.

USDA 6

USDA Zone 6 - hardiness guide