ERINNERUNG AN BROD – crimson historical old garden rose – Geschwind
This romantic heritage climber brings a sense of cottage charm to terraces and front gardens, clothing walls and arches in a wave of deep crimson once-flowering blooms with a rich, long-range scent. Its lush, dark foliage and old-rose character create an intimate, storybook atmosphere even in small Irish gardens, while its moderate care needs suit time-pressed beginners who still want something special. Own-root longevity means it settles in steadily and endures, coping well with Ireland’s cool summers and frequent rainfall that soften its colours into a velvety haze. Over a gentle arc of establishment from strong roots, to building shoots, to full ornamental impact, it matures into a graceful, life-long feature.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Cottage-style front garden arch |
Ideal for framing a small front path or gateway, this once-flowering climber smothers an arch in a single, dramatic surge of crimson rosettes, then holds its dense foliage as a green backdrop for the rest of summer – perfect for homeowners. |
| Wall-trained feature on a terrace or patio |
Trained along horizontal wires on a sunny or lightly shaded wall, its dark, slightly glossy foliage and historic character add depth and structure without demanding constant pruning, suiting busy urbanites. |
| Pergola or arbour for seasonal “rose tunnel” |
On a sturdy pergola it creates a once-a-year rose tunnel of large, very full flowers, then provides leafy shade and privacy, giving maximum romantic impact from one plant for relaxed families. |
| Romantic focal point in a small lawn or sitting area |
Planted as a specimen on its own support, it draws the eye with heritage charm and a strong, perfumed fragrance that carries on still evenings, rewarding patient gardeners. |
| Partially shaded Dublin side return or narrow space |
This cultivar tolerates partial shade, holding a richer flower colour away from harsh midday sun and still giving a good display, an advantage in overlooked, high-wall spaces for practical beginners. |
| Historic or “old rose” themed border |
Its 19th-century origin and old garden rose grouping make it an authentic choice for heritage-style plantings, pairing well with airy perennials while requiring only moderate routine care from heritage-loving collectors. |
| Cottage hedge or informal screen |
With planting at around 190–200 cm, it forms a loose, flowering screen that offers privacy in summer and an attractive framework in winter, fitting naturally into relaxed Irish cottage plots for nature-oriented owners. |
| Country garden fence in areas of cool summers and frequent rain |
Along a strong fence it can be fan-trained, its foliage staying healthy under cool, damp conditions where many roses struggle, making it a reassuring option for time-pressed rural starters. |
Styling ideas
- Vintage archway – Train ERINNERUNG AN BROD over a metal or timber arch and underplant with lavender and creeping baby’s-breath for a soft, nostalgic entrance – ideal for cottage-garden romantics.
- Crimson canvas – Use it as a wall-trained backdrop behind pots of white hydrangeas and pale foxgloves, letting the dark crimson blooms act as a rich, textural “canvas” – suited to colour-conscious design lovers.
- Perfumed corner – Place a bench beneath an arbour clothed with this rose, adding Echinacea and herbs nearby so you can sit in the evening and enjoy its strong fragrance – perfect for evening garden relaxers.
- Heritage border – Combine this historic rose with tall delphiniums, catmint and old-fashioned perennials for a period feel that matures gracefully over the years – appealing to history-minded gardeners.
- Shaded side-garden – In a narrow, part-shaded side return, train it on wires with simple groundcovers beneath, using its darker foliage and colour retention to brighten an otherwise forgotten strip – great for space-limited homeowners.
Technical cultivar profile
| Feature |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Old rose Hybrid Setigera climbing cultivar; trade name ERINNERUNG AN BROD Heritage rose Geschwind; also known in exhibition circles as Souvenir de Brod; historic, once-flowering, non-registered heritage type. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Rudolf Geschwind in Austria around 1884 from Rosa setigera crossed with ‘Génie de Châteaubriand’; first distributed by Ketten Frères of Luxembourg; considered a classic Central European heritage climber. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Strong climbing habit to about 240–380 cm high with 160–260 cm spread; moderately thorny canes, dense, slightly glossy dark green foliage; suited to training on arches, pergolas, fences and sturdy obelisks. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, very full rosette blooms, typically 7–10 cm across; more than 40 petals per flower; borne mainly singly on stems; non-remontant, producing one substantial main flush per season under normal garden conditions. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Deep, velvety crimson red overall, with darker almost blackish centres; ARS code DR, RHS 60A outer, 60B inner; buds blackish purple, opening to carmine crimson, later softening to greyer mauve tones, especially in strong sun. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Strong, full-bodied old-rose scent with good carrying power, often noticeable at some distance in still air; develops most richly in cool, humid conditions; suitable for gardeners valuing perfume above repeat flowering. |
| Hip characteristics |
Due to the very double bloom form, hip set is usually sparse; when present, hips are ovoid, approximately 10–15 mm in diameter, coloured orange red, and add small seasonal interest in late season on unpruned stems. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to approximately –26 to –23 °C (H7, USDA 5b, Swedish zone 4); heat tolerance moderate, needs watering in prolonged dry spells; disease resistance generally moderate to black spot, mildew and rust in average seasons. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with structural compost; spacing around 190–300 cm depending on use; suitable for partial shade; tie in canes regularly; prune mainly to shape and remove old wood after flowering. |
ERINNERUNG AN BROD offers a once-a-year curtain of crimson, a memorable strong fragrance and long-lived own-root reliability, making it a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking a romantic but manageable climbing rose.
