Rose Limbo

Hybrid Tea rose ‘Limbo’ is an outstanding cultivar notable for its rare chartreuse-green blooms and value as a florist’s rose. At the time of its introduction in 1999 this rose represented a significant novelty in rose breeding, lying “in limbo” between yellow and green hues. Its high-centered, frilled double flowers, compact upright habit, nearly thornless stems, and large dark foliage immediately made it popular among florists and gardeners around the globe. While it still thrives as a cutting rose with long vase life (over a 1 week), it demands attentive care in gardens. It is not very winter-hardy, and being prone to black spot in humid conditions, requires proactive disease management.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING

This rose variety ‘Limbo’ has a continuous flowering habit, as this rose variety is suitable for cut flower production under greenhouse conditions. In greenhouse conditions, it is able to bloom all year round.

The blooms of ‘Limbo’ are perhaps its most defining feature. They are large, approximately about 8 - 10 cm in diameter (3 - 4 in) when open. When in bud, the flower is held in an elegant ovoid or conical bud shape with a pointed tip and open to classically shaped high-centered flowers. The flowers are double, having about around 17 - 25 petals in most conditions, although there are claims it can have up to 47 petals under ideal conditions. The petals have a distinctive wavy, frilled edge and slightly serrated margins.

Notably, the bud of ‘Limbo’ exhibits a strong green coloration in the early stages. As the bloom opens, the color transitions, the petal edges remain chartreuse-green, flowing over the frilled petal rims, while the interior expands to a green-tinted cream. Fully open blooms form a cupped shape, often revealing a lighter greenish-cream center against slightly deeper green outer petals. This creates a striking bicolor illusion of green and ivory. In cooler temperatures the green tones are more pronounced, whereas in warm conditions the blooms may appear more lemon-yellow. Indeed, temperature can influence pigment expression. In bright sun, the blooms of ‘Limbo’ have been observed to fade toward ivory-white as they age, so the richest color is seen in the early phase of each bloom and in cooler or overcast weather. The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart placement for such a bloom would fall in a Yellow-Green group (though exact RHS references vary with conditions).

Despite the delicate appearance, the petals are thick and substantial, a trait often bred into florist roses, contributing to a long vase life. The petals of this rose are very resilient to rain and heat when the plant is grown in the garden, and may last on the plant for about 8 - 10 days on the plant and for about 9 - 14 days in vase. The petals have poor self cleaning quality, they tend to remain on the flowers for a very long time turning almost green and brown with time, and this rose variety requires time deadheading of the spent flowers.

Blooms are borne mostly one per stem (exhibition form), though occasionally may appear 1 - 3 blooms per flowering stem in garden conditions. The plant’s reproductive organs are typical for a Hybrid Tea; however, due to its use as a cut flower, it is often disbudded and not allowed to set hips, so rose hips (fruits) are rarely seen or reported. It is likely a sterile or low-fertility cultivar (common in Florists roses), and breeders have not noted significant seedling progeny from ‘Limbo’.

Fragrance:

The flowers of ‘Limbo’ as many other Florists roses have very little to no fragrance, most sources rate it as mild at best, with a slight fresh or citrus note. Thus, ‘Limbo’ is grown primarily for visual impact rather than scent.

PLANT

‘Limbo’ is classified as a Hybrid Tea rose, belonging to the genus Rosa in the family Rosaceae. Within horticultural groupings it is also described as a Florists’ Rose (cut-flower type). Like most Hybrid Teas, it is a deciduous and almost continuously blooming shrub. The plant is diploid or tetraploid (the typical chromosome condition for modern roses, though specific ploidy is not published). The classification remains firmly as a Hybrid Tea (large-flowered shrub rose), and it has no known sports (mutations) or climber forms. ‘Limbo’ is upright and bushy yet relatively compact. Mature and well established plants in gardens reach about 80 - 110 cm tall and 50 - 70 cm wide. Having nearly continuous flowering, this rose produces vigorously new flowering stems that are also remarkably almost without prickles, which is advantageous for cutting and handling. The canes are sturdy, supporting blooms singly on long stems.

However, ‘Limbo’ remains relatively uncommon in home gardens, partly due to its specific care needs and modest fragrance. Its introduction coincided with a shift by major breeders (including Kordes) toward disease-resistant landscape roses in the early 2000s, which meant that highly specialized florist roses like ‘Limbo’ were less emphasized for mainstream gardening. Nonetheless, for rose enthusiasts and collectors, ‘Limbo’ holds a special place as a conversation piece. Its presence in rose collections and trials (e.g. listed among modern Hybrid Tea cultivars in propagation studies) underscores its role as a bridge between ornamental horticulture and floriculture.

Foliage:

There is a normal quantity of the foliage on the plants of the rose variety ‘Limbo’. The number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves is typically 5, including the terminal leaflet. The average flowering stem has about 8 leaves. The foliage is large, dark green, and semi-glossy. The foliage provides an attractive backdrop that complements the bright greenish-yellow blooms. The shape of the leaflets is pointed oval, the shape of the leaflet tip is acuminate and the base shape is rounded. The surface texture of the leaflets is leathery, the edges are serrated, the type of serration is large and single.

Disease and cold resistance:

‘Limbo’ is not an easy-care landscape shrub, it’s more for the dedicated gardener who doesn’t mind the extra spraying and pampering. The payoff is a truly extraordinary bloom color that inevitably sparks conversation. In garden conditions it is often susceptible to black spot and needs preventive spraying in humid climates. It has also moderate resistance to powdery mildew and rust. Overall, requires regular fungicidal care for best performance.

In mild, temperate regions (e.g. oceanic climates, USDA Zones ~8–9) with moderate summers and winters (such as coastal Western Europe or the Pacific Northwest), ‘Limbo’ can perform well with standard rose care. Plant it in a spot with full sun to encourage sturdy growth and reduce disease. The moderate temperatures help maintain the green hue in the blooms. However, even in temperate rainy climates, black spot can be an issue – proactive fungicide spraying or organic alternatives (like neem or baking soda sprays) should be used, as multiple sources note its black spot susceptibility. Good air circulation is key: avoid crowding Limbo among dense shrubs. Winter lows in these zones typically won’t kill the plant, but if frost is expected (below -5 °C), applying a mulch mound around the base and burlap protection to the graft union is wise. Because Limbo has somewhat fewer thorns, pruning and handling are easier – still, use clean, sharp tools and follow the rule of cutting above outward-facing buds to shape the open habit. In the UK, where ‘Limbo’ is listed in the RHS Plant Finder, growers have noted it can be grown outdoors but is best in a sheltered spot to protect its delicate blooms from wind and heavy rain. Regular feeding (a balanced NPK rose fertilizer) throughout the growing season will support its repeat blooming. Deadheading after each flush will yield multiple bloom cycles from late spring to autumn. In summary, temperate-climate gardeners can expect ‘imbo’ to be an eye-catching specimen with manageable care: protect from continuous wetness (to avoid fungus), feed and deadhead routinely, and enjoy the unusual color against the backdrop of a green garden.

In mediterranean climates with dry summers, mild wet winters (e.g. USDA Zones ~9–10), such as California interiors, parts of Italy or Southern France, coastal Australia, ‘Limbo’ can thrive but requires adaptation to strong sun and dry conditions. The intense sunlight common in these regions can cause the blooms to bleach to near-white if the plant is in all-day sun. To mitigate this, provide light afternoon shade or dappled shade during the hottest hours. This helps preserve the green pigmentation in petals . Despite being bred in a cooler climate, ‘Limbo’ tolerates heat reasonably well - reports from commercial growers in Africa and Ecuador show it withstands warm greenhouse conditions if well-watered. The dry air of Mediterranean summers means powdery mildew could appear; ‘Limbo’ has some moderate resistance but not immunity, so occasional sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help prevent mildew on leaves. Irrigation should be deep and infrequent to encourage roots to go down; avoid overhead watering in evenings since warm, damp nights can spur black spot or downy mildew. Soil in these climates can be alkaline; ‘Limbo’ prefers slightly acidic, so consider adjusting pH or using fertilizers that include micronutrients (iron) to prevent chlorosis in the foliage. Winter care is straightforward: with mild winters, hardiness is not an issue (zones 9–10 rarely see freezes that could harm ‘Limbo’). Prune in late winter to shape and remove any weak growth, as the plant might not go fully dormant. One note: in regions with hot days and cool nights (Mediterranean highlands or dry-summer continental areas), the day/night temperature swing may actually intensify bloom color - gardeners have observed stronger green tones when night temps drop, which is a bonus for ‘Limbo’’s display. Overall, in Mediterranean climates ‘Limbo’ should be treated as a high-value rose that merits prime location and consistent care: mulch to conserve moisture, drip irrigate to keep foliage dry, and shield from extreme sun to get the best lime-green blooms.

In warm-summer continental climates (humid summers, cold winters, e.g. USDA Zones 6–7 with humid heat, such as the U.S. Midwest, Eastern Europe) pose the greatest challenges to growing ‘Limbo’, yet success is possible with diligent care. The combination of hot, humid summers and freezing winters is tough on many Hybrid Teas, and ‘Limbo’ is no exception. In summer, high humidity and rainfall can promote fungal diseases - black spot being the most common. It easily catches all sorts of fungal diseases, requiring frequent and thorough fungicide treatments. Therefore, a strict spray regimen is recommended: begin preventive spraying (with rose fungicide or biofungicides) in spring before disease signs appear, and repeat every 7 - 14 days during the humid season. Clear away any fallen diseased leaves promptly to reduce reinfection. Plant ‘Limbo’ in a spot with morning sun to quickly dry dew, and ensure at least 6 hours of sun total; avoid low-lying areas with stagnant air. During peak summer heat, the blooms may open faster and be smaller; some afternoon shade might help as noted above. Winter is the other challenge: ‘Limbo’ is only hardy to about -20 °C (zone 6b), and even then, winter damage is possible. In continental climates where winter temperatures fluctuate (freeze-thaw cycles), ‘Limbo’ can suffer cane damage or crown injury. The key is proper winter protection: in late fall, do not prune the bush heavily (leave canes long but secure them if needed); apply a generous 30 cm (1 ft) mound of soil or mulch over the base; cover the plant with burlap or a rose cone, or even lay it down and cover with straw if extreme cold hits. Ensure the covering is breathable to prevent trapped moisture that can cause rot during thaws. In regions with erratic winters (freeze one week, thaw the next), additional measures like spraying canes with anti-desiccant and avoiding winter sun/wind exposure help. Come spring, uncover gradually and inspect for blackened stems; prune back to green wood. With these efforts, ‘Limbo’ can be grown in zone 6 and even zone 5 with heavy protection (though in zone 5 it might behave like a die-back perennial, regrowing from the base each year). If growing in-ground, it’s wise to graft ‘Limbo’ onto an extremely hardy rootstock to improve its winter survival.

The cultivar name ‘Limbo’ was chosen as a trademark name by Kordes upon its 1999 introduction. While the breeder’s exact rationale is not published, the name “Limbo” likely alludes to the rose’s “in-between” color – neither fully yellow nor green – as if in a state of limbo. The word limbo also evokes something on the edge of the conventional, befitting this rose’s novelty status.

In rose trial records, ‘Limbo’ did not win renowned awards like ADR or AARS, likely due to its disease susceptibilities. It did, however, appear in specialty rose shows and florist competitions where its unique color garnered attention.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The rose variety ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' is the product of deliberate hybridization by the Kordes breeding program. It originated by Wilhelm Kordes III by crossing the Floribunda rose variety ’KORmiller’ / ‘Dream’ bred by Kordes in 1997 with the Florists rose variety ’KORbronora’ / ‘Sandrina’. By crossing these, Wilhelm Kordes III aimed to combine floribunda vigor and novel coloration with Hybrid Tea form and cut-flower longevity. The success of this cross is evident in ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo's continuous flowering, inherited from floribunda background and its strong stems and bud form from the HT side.

Geographically, ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' originated at W. Kordes’ Söhne nursery in Sparrieshoop, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Bred before 1999, probably in the mid-1990s breeding cycles, it was tested and selected in the Kordes facilities. Northern Germany’s climate is cool-temperate, with moderate summers and cold, wet winters – conditions under which ‘Limbo’ was evaluated (likely under greenhouse for florist types). Introduced in Germany in 1999 (wholesale by Kordes’ Söhne), it quickly found its way into international commerce for cut flowers.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The cultivar’s taxonomic significance mainly lies in demonstrating the phenotypic range of Rosa hybrids. Botanically, it proved that the genetic manipulation of pigment (perhaps involving chlorophyll retention and reduced anthocyanin) can yield a greenish flower while still maintaining the form of a classic rose. Its existence has been cited in at least one scientific context analyzing flower color diversity: for instance, it’s mentioned alongside cultivars ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Cherry Brandy’ in a study of rose cultivar characteristics ^[1]. This underlines that taxonomically and horticulturally, ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' is recognized as a distinct entity worth noting in literature.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

Introduced at the turn of the millennium, rose variety ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' made an immediate impression due to its unusual greenish coloration, a trait exceedingly rare in roses. Green or chartreuse-hued roses have long captivated breeders and collectors as botanical curiosities. Historically, the only truly green rose was the Victorian-era China rose Rosa chinensis ‘Viridiflora’, which lacks petals and instead bears leafy green sepals. Against this backdrop, ‘Limbo’ was significant as one of the first modern Hybrid Teas to achieve a lime-green to soft yellow-green bloom, using normal petals rather than sepals. Its breeder, Wilhelm J. H. Kordes III of the renowned Kordes nursery, aimed to fill a niche for novelty “green” roses in the cut-flower market. Upon its 1999 debut in Germany, ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' was marketed as a florist’s rose (often grown under glass for arrangements) and drew attention from contemporary rosarians and floral designers for its bold chartreuse to lime-green color - a rarity among roses at that time.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

The ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' may be distinguished from its seed parent ’KORmiller’ / ‘Dream’, by the following combination of characteristics:

 ’KORmiller’ / ‘Dream’ is known for its salmon-pink flowers, floriferous nature while ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' variety has lime-yellow flowers.

The ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' may be distinguished from its pollen parent by the following combination of characteristics:

 The pollen parent ’KORbronora’ / ‘Sandrina’ have pure soft pink full flowers, strong stems, a high-centered bloom, while ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' has lime-yellow flowers.

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

The significance of ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo' also lies in its influence on niche breeding goals. It demonstrated that chlorophyll retention in rose petals (producing a green cast) could be combined with the classic high-centered Hybrid Tea form. This opened avenues for further “green rose” introductions (e.g. cultivars like ‘Jade’, ‘Super Green’, and ‘St. Patrick’ are often compared with ‘KORnalist’ / 'Limbo'. In the floral industry, the Limbo rose became popular in arrangements as a novelty accent, especially in high-end designs and weddings, symbolizing renewal or uniqueness.

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