SCHWARZE MADONNA™ – dark red hybrid tea rose
With its velvety, almost black-burgundy blooms, SCHWARZE MADONNA™ brings a sense of coastal theatre to compact beds and veranda pots, where you can enjoy sheltered tea moments after a walk on the beach. Bred by Kordes for good disease resistance, this upright hybrid tea is easy to manage and thrives in well-drained soil that copes confidently with strong coastal breezes and salt-laden showers. The elegant, long-stemmed flowers hold their colour superbly for cutting, while the own-root form builds a deep, stable lifespan with reliable regrowth after harsh seasons. In a 40–50 litre container it anchors securely, offering a practical, long-lived centrepiece for shingle gardens and small terraces as it moves from root-building to fuller top growth and finally to its complete ornamental maturity over the first three years.
Usage options
| Target area | Reasoning |
|---|
| Small coastal flower bed near a seating area |
The dense, upright habit and glossy dark foliage create a compact vertical accent that fits neatly beside a path or deck, while the velvety dark-red blooms give a refined backdrop to late-afternoon tea on breezy days, ideal for the relaxed coastal-style homeowner. |
| 40–50 litre container on a sheltered veranda |
Planted in a large, well-drained pot, this rose anchors firmly and copes well with brisk seaside winds and salt-laden showers when placed in a sunny, sheltered corner, rewarding minimal care with a long flowering season that suits the busy urban balcony gardener. |
| Cutting patch for home-arranged bouquets |
Long, straight stems and large, high-centred blooms make it an excellent cut flower for dramatic indoor arrangements, with the rich colour holding well in the vase so you can bring a touch of coastal evening glamour indoors as a creative, time-poor flower enthusiast. |
| Feature rose in a compact family front garden |
Its strong hybrid tea form and controlled spread allow you to use a single plant as a focal point among gravel or shingle, where the low-maintenance, own-root structure supports long-term shape without complicated pruning, reassuring the low-effort front-garden owner. |
| Season-long flowering highlight in a mixed border |
Reliable repeat flowering provides waves of dark, velvety blooms from early summer onwards, giving structure and colour between perennials with little intervention beyond deadheading, which is especially helpful for the weekend-only hobby gardener. |
| Long-lived investment planting for a family garden |
The own-root habit helps the plant regenerate if damaged by winter or coastal weather, supporting a long lifespan and stable ornamental value so you can plan the border once and enjoy its presence for years as a forward-looking family garden planner. |
| Low-fuss rose area where spraying is not desired |
In typical UK garden conditions it shows good resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust, reducing the need for chemical treatments and complex care routines, which particularly benefits health-conscious, sustainability-minded rose beginners. |
| Structured coastal-style planting with grasses and perennials |
The upright shape and dark blooms contrast beautifully with silver foliage and fine grasses, working well with sea kale, Festuca and lavender to echo coastal shingle scenery while keeping maintenance light for design-aware yet time-pressed coastal garden owners. |
Styling ideas
- Veranda Focus – Position one plant in a 50 litre container by a south-facing wall, underplanted with low Festuca for movement – ideal for coastal veranda owners wanting a single dramatic accent.
- Shingle Drama – Set SCHWARZE MADONNA™ in a gravel or shingle bed with sea kale and driftwood features – perfect for those recreating a Cornish or Devon beach feel at home.
- Evening Border – Combine with pale clematis such as ‘Snow Queen’ and soft lavender to let the dark blooms glow at dusk – suited to romantic gardeners who enjoy summer evenings outdoors.
- Front-Garden Statement – Use a solitary plant near the front door, backed by Boston ivy on the wall, for year-round structure and seasonal flower impact – good for homeowners seeking smart kerb appeal with little effort.
- Cutting Corner – Dedicate a sunny border strip to several plants at recommended spacing for reliable long-stemmed blooms – appealing to home florists who like arranging their own distinctive roses.
Technical cultivar profile
| Trait | Data |
|---|
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose; registered as KORschwama, marketed as Schwarze Madonna™; ARS exhibition name Schwarze Madonna™; part of the hybrid tea rose commercial group. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred in Germany before 1991 by Wilhelm II, Reimer and Werner Kordes from ‘Konrad Henkel’ × unnamed seedling; introduced by W. Kordes’ Söhne in 1992. |
| Awards and recognition |
Highly regarded as an exhibition hybrid tea; honoured as Queen of Show at ARS events in Detroit and Forest City, and Court of Show at the Metropolitan Rose Society Show. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright hybrid tea to around 100–140 cm high and 60–80 cm wide, with dense, dark green, glossy foliage and moderate prickles; forms a structured, vertical garden presence. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, solitary blooms with 26–39 petals, high-centred cup shape and good remontancy, producing a generous second flush of flowers on strong, well-presented stems. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Deep, velvety dark red with purplish sheen; buds almost black-burgundy, colour holding well in bloom with very good retention, only slightly lightening in very hot conditions. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Mild, refined fragrance with an elegant rose character; not overpowering near seating areas, yet distinct enough to contribute a subtle, sophisticated scent to close-up spaces. |
| Hip characteristics |
Occasional small ovoid hips, about 10–14 mm, orange-red (RHS 40A); mainly a decorative side feature rather than a primary ornamental or wildlife element in most gardens. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Good resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust; hardy to around −21 to −18 °C (H7, USDA 6b), coping with typical UK winters when planted in suitable soil. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in full sun with free-draining soil; water in dry spells. Suitable for beds, specimen planting, hedging and large containers, with regular deadheading to encourage repeat bloom. |
SCHWARZE MADONNA™ offers long-stemmed, dark velvety blooms, reliable repeat flowering and good disease resistance in a durable own-root form, making it a thoughtful choice for those planning an enduring, characterful garden feature.
