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'Alchymist', bred by Kordes, Germany, 1956. 'Golden Glow' X R. eglanteria seedling

Alchymist is one of few of the "middle period" roses to have survived the test of time. Bred by the famous Kordes family, this has become a fairly well-known climbing rose which can also be grown as a free-standing shrub of great character. I have seen plants of Alchymist grown as a specimen in a lawn, allowed to take on its own natural arching form, and it was beautiful! If you have the space for a large shrub of this nature, you may want to try this.

The large blooms are produced in clusters of a few flowers, and they are very well scented. The color varies, but is most often a soft buff-orange hue, with yellow, cream, pink and near white mixed in. It is a very beautiful color, not unlike 'Gloire de Dijon' in that way, but a deeper shade.

Depending on your climate, Blackspot can affect this rose, so you may need to consider spraying to control this. Otherwise, it is a vigorous, healthy rose. Sadly, it is a once-bloomer, which deters some people from growing it.....a shame since it is such a beautiful shrub.

ARS merit rating: 8.0
Personal merit rating: 8.5
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 6 to 10, zone 5 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 12 feet tall X 8 feet wide, depending on climate
Fragrance: 3.5, strong scent.

Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 1996-2003