KARDINAL – red hybrid tea rose - Krause
Step outside after the rain and you can imagine raindrops glistening on the deep coral-red petals of KARDINAL, a classic hybrid tea that brings dignified colour and elegant long-stemmed blooms to small Irish gardens with minimal fuss. Bred in Germany in the 1930s, it remains a timeless favourite for those who like neat, bushy structure and a steady supply of large, cupped flowers through the summer. This own-root plant offers reassuring longevity and quiet reliability, standing up well where gardens see frequent rain and need thoughtful drainage on heavier soils. In its first years it settles in steadily – first building strong roots, then fuller shoots, before reaching its most impressive garden presence – so you can look forward to an increasingly rewarding display without complicated care.
Usage options
| Target area | Reasoning |
|---|
| Feature rose near a front door or garden path |
The generous, large blooms on long, elegant stems create an immediate focal point in compact spaces, ideal for a welcoming spot by the door or along a short path where every flower counts for visual impact – perfect for the discerning homeowner. |
| Cutting patch or vase-and-bouquet corner |
As an exhibition-type hybrid tea, KARDINAL produces well-shaped, solitary flowers that lend themselves to cutting, giving you classic, long-lasting blooms indoors without needing a separate allotment bed – appealing to the creative hobbyist. |
| Structured planting in a small family garden |
The bushy, upright habit and dense foliage allow it to act as a tidy structural shrub among perennials and grasses, fitting neatly into modest suburban plots while still feeling luxurious – useful for the busy gardener. |
| Low rose hedge along a boundary or path |
Recommended spacings of 40–50 cm make it suitable for a short, colourful hedge, giving rhythm and privacy without overwhelming a terraced-house front garden; the repeated flowering keeps this line interesting over months – ideal for the urban neighbour. |
| Own-root investment planting for long-term value |
Growing on its own roots supports long lifespan, stable ornamental performance and good recovery if stems are damaged, so the shrub can mature gracefully over many years, rewarding some early patience with lasting structure – reassuring for the cautious beginner. |
| Seasonal highlight in mixed borders with good drainage |
Its moderate disease resistance and preference for reasonably drained soil suit Irish gardens where rainfall is frequent and heavier clay needs attention, thriving when planted slightly raised with mulch to protect the root zone – helpful for the weather-aware planner. |
| Formal cottage-style beds with companion flowers |
The coral-red tones harmonise beautifully with spires of Liatris, airy Agastache and soft Lupins, creating a romantically “girly” cottage border that looks considered rather than fussy, even for those with limited time – inspiring for the style-conscious owner. |
| Compact rose groupings in front gardens |
Planting small clusters at the suggested densities quickly builds a strong visual block of colour during the main flowering flushes, especially by year three when the shrub reaches its full ornamental potential – encouraging for the result-focused buyer. |
Styling ideas
- Cottage-Line – Run a short row along a front path, underplant with soft pink Lupins and low herbs for a pretty, welcoming cottage feel – ideal for romantic front-garden owners.
- Classic-Vase – Dedicate a sunny corner to three shrubs for reliable cutting stems, edging with lavender for contrast and scent – suited to flower arrangers who like home-grown bouquets.
- Terrace-Accent – Place a single plant in a 40–50 litre container by steps or railings, teamed with trailing thyme for a refined city terrace accent – perfect for style-led urban dwellers.
- Border-Anchor – Use as a central anchor in a mixed herbaceous bed with Agastache and ornamental grasses, giving structure that looks good beyond peak bloom – good for time-poor family gardeners.
- Colour-Duo – Pair with white Liatris and silver foliage plants to highlight its coral-red tones, keeping the scheme simple but striking – great for beginners wanting easy, coordinated planting.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter | Data |
|---|
| Name and registration |
Hybrid Tea group rose, registered cultivar name ‘Kardinal’, trade name “Kardinal Hybrid tea rose Kardinal”; exhibition name Kardinal; commercial group Rós taehibride, unregistered but well established in gardens. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Max Krause in Germany, 1933, introduced 1936 via Hazlewood Bros. Pty. Ltd. in Australia; seedling of ‘Château de Clos-Vougeot’, reflecting classic early twentieth-century hybrid tea selection. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Bushy, upright shrub 75–105 cm high and 60–85 cm wide, densely thorned stems and close foliage; slightly glossy light green leaves (RHS 143C) delivering a full, clothed framework in mixed borders. |
| Flower morphology |
Fully double, 26–39 petalled, large 7–10 cm blooms, solitary on stems with a cupped, distinctly mid-centred form; remontant with a strong second flush providing extended display through the season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Deep coral-red with cool undertone, ARS DR; bud fiery red–coral, opening to warm coral with orange inner glow, then mellowing to brick–terracotta with rosy-powdery edges before eventual colour softening. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Discreet, very weak fragrance with a neutral, clean character; not dominant in the garden, making it suitable for those preferring visual impact and cut flowers over strongly scented planting schemes. |
| Hip characteristics |
Rose hips sparsely produced due to double flowers; where present, small spherical red hips 10–14 mm in diameter add a subtle autumn note without becoming messy or overly seeding around the garden. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to about -15 to -12 °C, RHS H6, Swedish zone 2, USDA 7b; moderate resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust, benefitting from basic hygiene and occasional preventative treatments. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Medium maintenance; regular deadheading and occasional pest and disease checks advised. Space 40–80 cm depending on use, 4.2–4.8 plants/m² for massing; prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. |
KARDINAL combines elegant cut-quality blooms, remontant flowering and a bushy, long-lived own-root habit, making it a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking reliable structure with classic red roses they can enjoy over many seasons.
