ASCHERMITTWOCH – white-lilac shaded climbing rose - Kordes
This classic climbing rose offers an unusually smoky silver-lilac bloom that instantly creates a romantic cottage feel, particularly suited to Irish gardens where humid summers and frequent rain are the norm. The medium-height canes are easy to guide on arches, fences or house walls, so You can enjoy an elegant screen of flowers without complex pruning regimes. Moderate repeat flowering gives waves of soft, nostalgic colour through the season, with a clearly noticeable but gentle fragrance that works beautifully near seating areas and front doors. As an own-root plant, it settles in gradually and is capable of regenerating from its base, helping Your planting feel lasting and stable over many years. In year one it focuses on roots, in year two on stronger shoots, and by year three You see its full ornamental presence, with dense, matt green foliage, attractive structure and occasional orange hips. Planted in a reasonably sheltered, sunny spot with good drainage, ASCHERMITTWOCH rewards even less experienced gardeners with a distinctive, long-lived garden feature.
Use cases
| Target area |
Reason |
| Front-garden arch or porch entrance |
Ideal for training over a simple arch or porch frame, its moderate repeat flowering and medium fragrance create a welcoming entrance without overwhelming the space, suiting beginners who want impact but only basic seasonal care needed for busy homeowners |
| House wall or warm cottage gable |
With 3.6–5.4 m height it clothes walls effectively, while its unique smoky silver-lilac flowers stand out against stone or render; place in a sunny position with reasonable airflow and it copes well with our wet, Atlantic-influenced climate for Irish gardeners |
| Pergola over seating or dining area |
Dense, matt foliage and arching canes give dappled shade above terraces, and the medium, clearly noticeable scent is pleasant without being overpowering, so You can enjoy long evenings outdoors with only occasional deadheading needed for relaxed hosts |
| Romantic fence line or boundary |
Use along a fence where You want a soft, cottage look rather than a rigid hedge; its repeat-flowering, cluster-blooming habit dots the season with colour, while own-root vigour builds a stable, long-lived screen for long-term planners |
| Specimen rose with underplanting |
As a stand-alone climber on a pillar or obelisk it becomes a striking feature; pair with low companions like Mexican daisy or creeping bugle to hide the base and enjoy layered colour with manageable upkeep for small-garden owners |
| Cut flowers from the garden |
The large, semi-double, cup-shaped blooms with their unusual ash-grey lilac tone make characterful indoor arrangements; cutting some clusters encourages new growth and keeps the plant tidy with simple, occasional snipping for creative decorators |
| Mixed cottage-style border backdrop |
Plant at the back of a mixed border where its height and dense foliage provide structure, letting perennials and shrubs play in front; the soft, muted bloom colour blends easily into romantic cottage schemes for colour-conscious gardeners |
| Rural or coastal-country garden feature |
Well suited to country gardens where solid hardiness and own-root stamina are appreciated; given good drainage and regular watering in prolonged heat, it weathers damp, breezy seasons reliably, suiting low-maintenance seekers |
Decorating ideas
- Cottage Archway – Train ASCHERMITTWOCH over a simple metal arch, underplant with Mexican daisy and creeping bugle for a soft, tumbling effect – perfect for lovers of informal, romantic front gardens
- Wall Tapestry – Cover a sunny cottage wall, weaving stems between discreet wires and pairing with climbing clematis in pastel tones – ideal for homeowners wanting a textured, storybook look
- Pergola Retreat – Grow along a timber pergola above garden seating, echoing the smoky blooms with pale lilac hydrangeas nearby – suited to families who enjoy relaxed outdoor dining
- Feature Pillar – Train this climber up a sturdy obelisk in a lawn island bed, with low gypsophila clouds at the base – great for gardeners who want a single, eye-catching focal point
- Boundary Softening – Plant in a staggered line along fences, mixing with lavender and rosemary to soften hard edges with scent and movement – ideal for busy gardeners seeking gentle screening
Technical cultivar profile
| Characteristic |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Trade name ASCHERMITTWOCH – white-lilac shaded climbing rose - Kordes; exhibition name Aschermittwoch. Large-flowered climbing rose, commercial type climber. Unregistered cultivar, verified authenticity for pharmarosa.ie. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Reimer Kordes, W. Kordes’ Söhne, Germany. Introduced 1955. Parentage: Rosa rubiginosa-hybrid × ‘Ballet’; Rosa rubiginosa-hybrid × ‘Fashion’. Belongs to the Kordes climbing rose collection. |
| Growth and structure |
Vigorous climbing habit, 3.6–5.4 m high, 1.8–3 m spread. Dense, matt green foliage on strongly thorned canes. Best grown with support on walls, pergolas, arches or tall pillars. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, semi-double, cup-shaped blooms, 13–25 petals, borne in clusters. Flower size typically 7–10 cm. Remontant, with a strong first flush and lighter repeat later in the season. |
| Colour and phenology |
Silvery, smoky white-lilac tones with ash-grey lilac and mocha hints. Colour holds better in cool weather, fading somewhat in strong sun. Buds to full bloom show layered silver-grey transitions. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Medium strength, clearly noticeable scent with a soft, delicate character. Pleasant near paths, doors or seating without becoming overpowering in enclosed spaces. |
| Rose hip characteristics |
Produces occasional spherical orange hips, approximately 14–22 mm in diameter. Not heavily fruited due to semi-double flowers, but adds some late-season interest. |
| Resistance and hardiness |
Hardy to about −21 to −18 °C, RHS H7, Swedish Zone 3, USDA 6b. Disease resistance moderate overall: good black spot resistance, with moderate susceptibility to mildew and rust. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Prefers sunny, well-drained sites. Medium maintenance; may need some plant protection in humid seasons. Deadhead spent blooms and tie in new canes. For containers, choose at least a 40–50 litre pot. |
ASCHERMITTWOCH offers distinctive smoky silver-lilac blooms, reliable height for arches and walls, and own-root longevity that settles steadily into Your garden; consider it if You would like a characterful, long-lived climber.
