Rose Westfalenpark

'Westfalenpark' is a vigorous apricot-flowering climbing rose, prized for its large, softly colored blooms and ample foliage. The flower clusters open as warm pastel-abricot buds that soften to creamy peach-yellow, creating a gentle gradient of color throughout the season. This cultivar is repeat-flowering, giving reliable flushes of blooms from early summer into autumn. In the garden, it is admired for combining a refined cup-shaped flower form and a light fruity scent with a glossy dark-green foliage backdrop. It is valued for its hardiness and endurance on its own roots, making it well-suited to temperate climates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

'Westfalenpark' stands out among climbers for its generous flower size, bushy habit and good repeat flowering. The growth habit is notably upright and bushy: the canes are straight to slightly arching, forming a sturdy framework to support heavy flower clusters. Its leaves are abundant and of a deep glossy green, providing a lush backdrop to the peach-yellow blooms. This foliage remains largely clean through the season and regenerates vigorously after pruning or winter dieback, particularly on its own roots. The overall effect in a mature plant is one of dense, vertical growth covered in repeating flushes of refined blooms. As a Large-Flowered Climber, 'Westfalenpark' bridges the formality of Hybrid Tea like blooms with the scale and vigor of Climbing roses. In modern gardens it is prized for combining a garden-friendly, bushy profile with large, decorative flowers – a contrast to both wiry old Ramblers and more delicate small climbers. The combination of its robust health, easy handling and continuous flowering keeps it relevant and attractive for contemporary gardeners.

FLOWERING

'Westfalenpark' is a repeat-flowering Large-Flowered climber. It typically begins blooming in early summer and continues in significant flushes through late season, even into the first frosts under favorable conditions. Its flowering is often described as steady; each main flush produces many clusters of blooms, and if deadheading is maintained, an ample second flush follows. The second bloom can be as plentiful as the first, sustaining color from midsummer onward. In bloom, the plant is notable for its clouds of softly pastel apricot flowers against dark foliage. This constant show makes 'Westfalenpark' effective as a continuous vertical feature. In poor summer weather it may bloom less abundantly, but given sun and average care it maintains a strong flowering rhythm.

Flower bud:

Bud development in 'Westfalenpark' shows a gradual lightening of color. The buds emerge a clear apricot-orange, often with slightly yellow-tinged margins on the outer petals. They are well-proportioned and pointed in form, giving a polished appearance before opening. The sepals are medium green, typically closing well around the bud; fine stipitate glands may be present as on many roses of this type. Flower stalks (peduncles) are sturdy and able to support the bud. As the buds swell, the peach tones deepen only slightly; when they begin to unfurl, a warm butter‑yellow flush becomes apparent in the center; the buds open slowly to reveal large, double flowers.

Bloom:

The blooms of 'Westfalenpark' are large and double, often are about 7 - 10 cm (about 3 - 4 inches) in diameter. Upon opening those double blooms are high-centered and change to cup-shaped when fully open, and have classic highly formal appearance with roughly 26 - 30 petals. Most often they are born singly, or in small clusters, typically 3 - 5 flowers, on short lateral stems. Unlike once-blooming ramblers, 'Westfalenpark' does not bloom only at the cane tips but along much of the shoot, providing a more even coverage of flowers. The general effect when in full bloom is a cloud of apricot‑cream cups.

The color follows a subtle sequence: closed buds are a clear pastel yellow-apricot, opening blooms show a soft peach-yellow, slightly warmer at the very center, and finally the petals fade to a creamy, butter-yellow tone as they age. This fading is gradual and harmonious, so older flowers blend into newer ones without abrupt contrast. The inner petal surfaces tend to keep a bit more of the peach tint, giving the open flower depth. Overall the flower form is refined and classic, characteristic of Kordes’ Large-Flowered Climbers. 'Westfalenpark' is not noted for unusual floral quirks - it follows the archetype of a tidy, double cup flower.

Petals:

The petals of each bloom are substantial and firm-textured, helping the double form hold its shape. The petal edges are mostly smooth or very slightly undulating; they are not heavily ruffled. Petals are broad and overlap tightly in a concentric cup, with the outer petals larger and cupped outward, and the inner ones forming the central rosette. As flowers age, the outer petals may curl back a bit to reveal the creamy center tones. Petals retain color well through the life of the bloom; the fading from peach to buttery cream is even and attractive. Blooms last a reasonable time on the bush, for about 6 to 7 days under normal growing conditions.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of 'Westfalenpark' is generally mild but pleasant and Fruity, with a note of apple or apricot. Such a subtle scent makes 'Westfalenpark' suitable for planting near paths or seating areas without dominating the air. In strong summer sun the scent is more apparent, while in cool weather it becomes almost unnoticeable.

Reproductive parts:

The flowers of this rose are double, so the stamens and pistils are largely hidden except in older or partly-open blooms. Few stamens are visible at full bloom; those that show are typically yellow-orange. The double form leads to minor seed production and only a small number of round hips (rose fruits) form when flowering is not sheared off by deadheading. When hips are produced, they are small (around 8 - 12 mm in diameter), ball-shaped and orange‑red in color.

PLANT

Rose 'Westfalenpark' is a modern cultivar classified as a Large-Flowered climber. It grows as an intermediate between a vigorous Shrub rose and a true Climber. Its tall canes with repeat blooms fit the Large-Flowered Climber class used by the ARS and European growers. It stands out among climbers for its flower size, bushy habit and reasonably good repeat flowering. The plant’s general habit is strongly upright: each cane grows strongly upward before arching slightly under the weight of flowers, creating a high, bushy form rather than a low mound. It is able to produce new basal canes each season so older canes are usually retained to combine with new shoots. The overall silhouette is roughly columnar – when seen from a distance, a mature plant appears as a tall block of green foliage dotted with apricot blossoms. Branching tends to be plentiful, so many canes rise from the crown; gardeners often train a few of the strongest canes onto supports (trellis, arch, fence) and trim the rest to maintain a tidy form. When mature and well-established it forms a bushy, strong climber that typically reaches about 160 - 240 cm (5.3 - 7.8 feet) in height and about 120 - 200 cm (4 - 6.7 feet) in width.

Foliage:

There is a dense foliage on the plants of the rose variety 'Westfalenpark', giving a plush, healthy look. The colour is a deep, lustrous green, the surface of mature leaflets is semi-glossy. Young leaves flush slightly lighter but quickly turn to the dark green seen in photos. The texture is moderately thick and leathery, typical of many Kordes roses, which helps the leaves hold up under sun. Foliage is also quite smooth and clean in appearance; it tends not to have hairs on the underside, but may have a light covering of tiny stipitate glands on the petioles. Leaves are held stiffly on the stems, contributing to the structured look of the plant. The foliage of 'Westfalenpark' tends to resist blackspot and other foliar diseases better than many older Hybrid Teas, though generally speaking the resistance is only average by the modern rose hybrids standards.

Leaflets:

The number of the leaflets on the normal leaves in the middle of the flowering stem is typically 5, including the terminal leaflet. The leaflets are broadly ovate or elliptic, with a pointed tip and a rounded base. The leaflet margins are finely serrated, the type of the serration is medium sized and single. Each leaflet is attached to the stem by a short petiole and rachis; these axes can be light red or green and may bear small stipule-like appendages at the base of each leaflet. Veins are obvious but not strongly embossed; the midrib stands out pale on the dark background.

Wood:

The canes of 'Westfalenpark' are sturdy and of medium thickness. New shoots emerge upright and fairly thick at the base, tapering gradually. They are usually green or slightly bronze when young, turning medium brown with age. Branching occurs relatively high, so the lower sections of older canes can become more or less bare if not selectively pruned to create renewal. Overall, the shrub architecture is upright with a tendency to ramify: in good seasons each cane can yield numerous flowering laterals. This growth habit makes the plant hold its shape with proper tying or pruning - it is not a floppy rambler. Vigor is strong; the plant often needs some support or tying in, especially on the most exposed sides, to prevent canes from breaking. When properly managed, the framework of canes forms a stable, long-lived structure.

Prickles:

'Westfalenpark' has a moderate amount of prickles. The prickles are mostly straight or pyramidal, slightly hooked, medium in size and evenly distributed along the stems. On new canes the prickles can be medium green to reddish, but on older wood they change to a dull brown. The prickles are dense enough to catch on clothing lightly if brushed against, but not so sharp or numerous as to make pruning difficult. In short, the armature is similar to many Hybrid Tea derived climbers: enough protection, but moderate overall.

Small prickles:

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

Disease resistance and stress tolerance:

The rose variety 'Westfalenpark' has rather moderate disease resistance compared to other modern climbers. It can develop black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) and powdery mildew if conditions are favorable to those pathogens. Rust is likewise not known to be a strong suit. Under normal care (good air circulation, clean beds), the leaves often remain fairly clean, but heavy humidity or leaf wetness can lead to spotting. Thus, it is advised to use standard preventative measures (e.g. proper spacing, occasional sprays or sanitation) to keep foliage healthy. On the plus side, many users note that the glossy, thick foliage resists browning and drop better than on very delicate Tea roses.

In terms of stress tolerance, rose 'Westfalenpark' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 6b (about –21 to –18 °C), or rated as RHS H7. It weathers winter cold well without special protection in most temperate areas. It also holds up under summer heat reasonably well, though in extremely hot or dry summers it will benefit from adequate watering like most roses.

Overall, 'Westfalenpark'’s resilience is seen as competent: neither particularly fragile nor exceptionally disease-free, but certainly trustworthy in a well-managed garden.

The official ARS exhibition name “'Westfalenpark'” honors Dortmund’s 'Westfalenpark' rose garden, which had become renowned by the 1970s, linking the cultivar to a tradition of high-quality exhibition beds where numerous roses are showcased.

The trade name “Chevreuse” refers to the historic town of Chevreuse near Paris, reflecting Kordes’ French marketing.

No major rose awards or trial honors are recorded for 'Westfalenpark'. It does not appear to hold any ADR or international trial distinctions. Likewise, there is no listing of All-America Rose Selections or other major prizes for this cultivar.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The rose variety ‘KORplavi’ / 'Westfalenpark' was bred by Reimer Kordes of W. Kordes’ Söhne with registration made in 1986. According to breeder records, the precise female parent is unnamed (a proprietary Kordes seedling) and the pollen parent is the Hybrid Tea rose ‘Las Vegas’ (Kordes 1972). This means 'Westfalenpark' is essentially a climbing form of Kordes breeding influenced by ‘Las Vegas’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

Variety ‘KORplavi’ / 'Westfalenpark' belongs to the post‑war generation of Large‑Flowered Climbing roses that emerged as rose classification expanded. By the mid-20th century, breeders like Kordes developed repeat-flowering climbers by crossing modern Teas, Floribundas and Hybrid musks. The Large-Flowered Climber class is characterized by elegant, hybrid-tea-style blooms borne on tall climbing canes. In the broader rose world, 'Westfalenpark' fits into a niche between shrub and rambler: it takes the large, shapely flower form of a hybrid tea and grafts it onto a more vigorous, repeat-flowering climbing habit. This concept was popularized by breeders of the era. Within Kordes’s own breeding program, 'Westfalenpark' complements other climbers such as ‘Berolina’ (orange blooms) and ‘Pearl of the Orient’ (climbing white rose), offering a warm apricot tone. Its moderate height and glossy foliage also reflect Kordes’ emphasis on durability and disease resistance in modern garden roses.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

Rose ‘KORplavi’ / 'Westfalenpark' reliably produces repeated flushes of soft peach-yellow flowers through summer, while maintaining a compact climbing habit. The cultivar combines hardy, own-root durability with a pleasant fresh fruity scent, and its dark green foliage remains healthy and ornamental even when buds are not out. In modern gardens it serves well on walls, arches or as a floral screen, valued for long-season color and ease of care and a unique combination of characteristics:

  large, softly apricot-yellow-pastel cup-shaped blooms that fade to creamy-yellow, borne in clusters;

  bushy, upright climber habit with dense, glossy dark-green foliage;

  mild fresh fruity fragrance and good repeated blooming;

  solid cold tolerance (hardy to about –21 °C, USDA 6b, RHS H7) and reasonably good disease resistance for an older Climbing rose.

As with most modern roses, 'Westfalenpark' is easily propagated by budding onto suitable rootstock or by rooting cuttings. It is commonly sold as an own‑root plant, and gardeners can also propagate it by hardwood or softwood stem cuttings.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

Since the details on the seed parent were not publicly disclosed the comparison with the seed parent cannot be reliably done.

Compared to the pollen parent ‘Las Vegas’, 'Westfalenpark' has a taller, more vigorously climbing habit and bears larger clusters rather than mostly solitary flowers. Both share a warm color palette, but ‘Las Vegas’ is a deep orange with a yellow reverse, while 'Westfalenpark' is a paler peach blend. ‘Las Vegas’ normally grows to about 120 - 130 cm in height, whereas 'Westfalenpark' reaches closer to 200 cm. Fragrance is another difference: ‘Las Vegas’ typically has a moderate scent, whereas the aroma of 'Westfalenpark' is lighter and more subtle.

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

The most similar rose variety available in commerce is probably ‘Autumn Sunset’ (Lowe, 2001), another apricot-flowering climber. Both have repeat flowering habit, apricot blooms, but key differences can be noted. ‘Autumn Sunset’ bears semi-double, more golden apricot flowers with about 13 - 25 petals and a strong fruity fragrance. In contrast, 'Westfalenpark' has very double flowers with about 26 - 30 petals that are paler peach-to-creamy in hue and a much milder scent. ‘Autumn Sunset’ typically grows larger, often 240 - 300 cm and produces very large clusters with prominent exposed stamens, whereas 'Westfalenpark' is slightly shorter and more compact, with extremely full blooms where stamens are mostly hidden. ‘Autumn Sunset’ also has better cold hardiness (to about –25 °C), while 'Westfalenpark' is hardy to around –21 °C. The practical effect is that ‘Autumn Sunset’ delivers slightly more scent and a richer golden tone, whereas 'Westfalenpark' offers a softer pastel palette and fuller flowers.

USDA 6

USDA Zone 6 - hardiness guide