Rose Elfe

‘Elfe’ is a modern Climbing rose introduced by Rosen-Tantau with remarkably very large, full quartered blooms in creamy white with greenish undertones, mild fruity fragrance, and dark glossy foliage. The variety is vigorous and well repeat-flowering, suitable for growing in various climates providing refined and luxurious decor for any garden.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING

Climbing rose ‘Elfe’ is a repeat-flowering variety, blooming in flushes from late spring to autumn. The first flush normally starts later in the season, this rose is not the one that starts the season, but the flowering is prolonged and abundant. After the first main flowering, follows next, more restrained flowering closer to the end of the summer followed by the third flush if climate allows and given proper care.

The flowers of rose variety health are normally large, about 10 to 12 cm (3.5 - 4 inches) in diameter when they fully open. They start as a classical Hybrid Tea high-centered opening gradually to reveal a perfectly shaped quartered rosette with outer petals reflecting slightly as the flower e ages. The powers of this rose are very full under normal growing conditions having about 62 - 100 petals, the petals of this rose have thick and smooth surface and really well withstand unfavorable weather conditions. They usually appear on the plant singly or in small clusters several together, about 3 - 5 blooms together, on rather strong and medium sized peduncles.

When flowers just open they have pure white color with this very slight greenish shade on the other outer panels and transitioning to slightly yellow yellowish cream shades to the center when the flower fully opens the green and yellow shades disappear and flower crawler becomes completely white under normal growing conditions there is no color changes or variations are observed on the flowers of the throat variety. The overall effect is pure white with delicate green undertones.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of rose ‘Elfe’ is mild, with light fruity and sweet tones.

PLANT

In terms of classification, the rose variety ‘Elfe’ is classified as a modern Climbing rose and marketed by Tantau as a Nostalgic climber. This rose has a vigorous and robust growth habit, it tends to establish quickly and reach its potential. The growth habit is strong, upright and bushy, with slightly arching flowering canes. When mature and well-established the plants reach about 250 - 350 cm (8’2” - 11’5”) in height and about 100 - 120 cm (2’6” - 3’) in width. The young shoots can be long and supple, requiring support on trellises or wires.

This rose prefers a sunny location in fertile, moist but well-drained soil and is best planted on full sun (with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day), but it will tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates. This rose also requires rather regular watering, especially during establishment (first season); once roots are set, ‘Elfe’ is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with supplemental watering during dry seasons.

As all Climbing roses it will need a support - tie Elfe’s main canes to trellis wires or a pergola, ideally placed horizontally to encourage side shoots and hence more abundant flowering.

Foliage:

Foliage is dark glossy green, pinnate, the number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves varies from 5 to 7, including the terminal leaflet. The size of the leaflets is large, the shape of the leaflets is pointed oval, the shape of the leaflet tip is acuminate and the base shape is cordate. The surface texture of the leaflets is leathery and glossy. The edges are serrated, the type of serration is medium sized and single.

Prickles:

There are many to normal quantities of prickles present on the main canes from base and on the laterals from main canes of this rose variety. The shape of the prickles is straight to slightly concave, the length is about 8 - 10 mm.

Small prickles:

The small prickles are not observed under normal growing conditions on the main canes and on the laterals from the main canes of this rose variety.

Disease resistance:

Extension sources report that ‘Elfe’ has relatively good disease resistance. Though in more colder and wet growing conditions it is somewhat susceptible to blackspot, powdery mildew and rust, therefore in such climates the gardeners must make sure planting this rose in well-drained sites and ensure good air flow around the plants. The cultivar does not have any unique disease resistance genes reported in the literature; it’s treated as an average-performer with moderate disease levels.

Rose variety ‘Elfe’ is winter-hardy down to roughly -10 °C to -20 °C (which corresponds to USDA zones 6 - 9). Tantau rates it hardy (RHS H4), and field observations note survival to –15 °C. In cold regions, mulch around the base after leaf fall and protect against severe frost as needed. Heat tolerance is good in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade.

It suits temperate and warm-summer climates. In very hot/sunny Mediterranean-like summers, it still thrives but benefits from some afternoon shade. In humid climates, good air movement is vital to keep foliage dry. In cooler northern areas, ensure it gets full sun and avoid late frosts. Overall, Elfe is robust across Europe and similar USDA zones; no specialized care beyond normal rose culture is required.

The rose variety name “Elfe” evokes a fairy-like delicacy of the blooms (though no source explicitly explains the etymology). Tantau registered it simply as Elfe (German for “elf” or fairy).

The cultivar is listed in international rose registries under multiple trade names: e.g. L’Alcazar (France), Francine Jordi (Switzerland), Climbing Stockholm (Denmark) as well as Tanelfe (Tantau breeding code) and Pride of Venus (Australia).

This rose variety ‘Elfe’ is unrelated to the similarly named rose - the pink Hybrid Tea ‘Elfe’ of 1945 and should not be confused with it.

Nostalgic

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

This cultivar was developed by Hans Jürgen Evers at Rosen-Tantau, Germany, and introduced to the market in 2000 under the name ‘TANelfe’ / ‘Elfe’. Breeder records (Tantau) did not publish its parentage. Indeed, no formula (seed parent × pollen parent) is given in any accessible source. Consequently, the lineage of ‘Elfe’ remains uncertain.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

Tantau’s catalog highlights its “romantic charm” and long flowering season of this rose variety. As a vigorous repeat-bloomer, it has become popular in ornamental plantings (pergolas, walls). It won no major awards, but is valued for its distinctive cream-white blooms and fragrance. Its horticultural importance lies in combining old-rose bloom form with modern hardiness.

USDA 6