Cardinal Rose is a magnificent tea-hybrid variety developed in Germany in 1985 by Kordes. The flowers of this rose are large, velvety, and a deep red color, which takes on a raspberry-pink hue as the buds open. A distinctive feature of this variety is its unusual flower opening: the outer petals curl outward, while the inner ones form a classic cup shape. The buds initially have a nearly black tint and open very slowly. The rose has a weak or practically absent fragrance.
Cardinal Rose is distinguished by high resistance to diseases, particularly powdery mildew and black spot. Its stems are strong, long, thorny, and quickly lignify. The leaves are dark green and glossy, which accentuates the beauty of the flowers. The bushes reach a height of 100–120 cm and a width of 80–100 cm. This rose thrives in open ground, especially in warmer regions, and requires reliable winter protection, as its cold tolerance is moderate.
This variety is excellent for both garden cultivation and cut flowers. Flowers appear singly or in pairs at the ends of long, straight stems, making the rose convenient for forcing and floral arrangements. When cut, the flowers retain their freshness and vibrant red color for a long time. Cardinal Rose blooms in waves throughout the entire warm season, beginning earlier than many other varieties, ensuring prolonged and abundant flowering.