Rosengräfin Marie Henriette®

Full description:

There are roses whose fragrance is immediately recognisable, and others whose perfume invites you to discover something new each time you approach. Rosengräfin Marie Henriette belongs to the second group. Its scent is rich, complex and beautifully layered, unfolding differently as the flowers mature and the warmth of the day changes.

Introduced in 2013 by W. Kordes' Söhne in Germany, this rose belongs to the celebrated Parfuma® collection, developed to bring exceptional fragrance together with attractive flowers and strong garden performance. Rosengräfin Marie Henriette expresses that ambition through romantic, richly petalled blooms in a luminous medium pink, approximately 8–10 cm across.

The fragrance begins with the familiar elegance of a classic rose, enriched by distinctive spicy notes of aniseed and a suggestion of liquorice. Beneath them lies a soft impression of fresh apple. As the flower opens, the spicy character gradually gives way to brighter, more delicate fruity nuances. Kordes notes that the perfume can be especially pronounced around midday and during the evening.

Its flowers are not only beautiful in fine weather. One of this variety's particularly useful qualities is its ability to retain an attractive shape during periods of rain. The generously filled petals preserve much of their romantic appearance even when conditions are less favourable, an advantage in gardens where summer weather can be unpredictable.

The plant forms a compact, bushy and upright shrub, approximately 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide. It flowers repeatedly throughout the season, bringing fresh pink blooms above its foliage. These proportions make it well suited to mixed borders, rose beds and intimate planting areas where its fragrance can be appreciated at close range.

For a particularly rewarding effect, plant Rosengräfin Marie Henriette near a frequently used path or seating area. It also works beautifully in groups, where its soft pink flowers create a harmonious display. Kordes recommends approximately four to five plants per square metre for mass planting.

Its garden credentials extend beyond fragrance. Rosengräfin Marie Henriette received ADR certification in 2015, following evaluation under demanding German rose trials conducted without routine fungicide treatments. Kordes also notes strong winter hardiness; as with other roses, site conditions and appropriate care still matter, and no variety is completely immune to fungal disease.

For those who believe a rose should be experienced as well as admired, Rosengräfin Marie Henriette offers something especially memorable: a perfume with real character, romantic flowers and the resilience to make that beauty a lasting part of the garden.

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Frequently asked questions:

Is Rosengräfin Marie Henriette strongly fragrant?
Yes. Fragrance is its defining characteristic. This Kordes Parfuma rose has a very strong, complex scent that combines classic rose with spicy and fruity notes.

What does Rosengräfin Marie Henriette smell like?
Its fragrance includes classic rose, aniseed, a hint of liquorice and fresh apple. As the flowers mature, the scent becomes softer and more fruity.

When is its fragrance strongest?
Kordes indicates that its perfume is particularly noticeable around midday and in the evening. Fragrance intensity can also vary with temperature, weather and flower maturity.

Is this rose part of the Kordes Parfuma collection?
Yes. Rosengräfin Marie Henriette belongs to the Parfuma collection, known for roses selected for their expressive fragrances and garden qualities.

What colour are the flowers?
The flowers are a luminous medium pink, with a soft, romantic appearance that works well alongside white, blue and violet flowering plants.

How large are the flowers?
The blooms are approximately 8–10 cm across and have a very full, richly petalled form reminiscent of old garden roses.

Does Rosengräfin Marie Henriette repeat flower?
Yes. It produces successive flushes of flowers throughout the growing season, rather than flowering only once.

How tall does this rose grow?
It typically reaches approximately 80 cm in height and 50 cm in width, forming a compact, upright shrub.

Is Rosengräfin Marie Henriette suitable for small gardens?
Yes. Its compact proportions make it a good choice for smaller borders and dedicated fragrant planting areas, particularly where the flowers can be enjoyed at close range.

Does it tolerate rainy weather?
Yes. Kordes specifically highlights the flowers' ability to maintain their attractive form in wet conditions. As with any rose, prolonged rain may still affect individual blooms.

Is Rosengräfin Marie Henriette winter-hardy?
Yes. The variety is noted for its very good winter hardiness. In colder regions, correct planting depth, well-drained soil and appropriate winter protection for young plants remain important.

What does ADR certification mean?
ADR is a respected German rose-testing programme that assesses varieties for qualities including health, flowering and garden performance. Testing is carried out without routine fungicide applications.

When did Rosengräfin Marie Henriette receive ADR certification?
The variety received ADR certification in 2015, supporting its reputation for dependable garden performance.

Is this rose suitable for a fragrant garden?
Absolutely. Its powerful perfume makes it particularly rewarding near terraces, paths, entrances and seating areas, where its scent can be appreciated regularly.

How many plants should I use for group planting?
Kordes recommends approximately four to five plants per square metre. This creates a generous flowering display while allowing the shrubs room to develop.

Can I grow Rosengräfin Marie Henriette in a container?
Its compact size makes container growing possible. Choose a sufficiently large, deep container with good drainage and provide consistent watering and feeding. Planting in the ground is generally easier to maintain in very cold or hot conditions.

Does it need full sun?
A sunny position is recommended for strong flowering and healthy growth. Provide good air circulation and avoid sites where the soil remains waterlogged.

What plants combine well with Rosengräfin Marie Henriette?
Lavender, nepeta, salvia, white-flowering perennials and ornamental grasses can complement its pink blooms. Lower-growing companions also help keep the rose's flowers and fragrance accessible.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
The appearance depends on the season and whether the rose is supplied bare-root or potted. See our guide to what roses look like on delivery → for examples.

What should I do after planting?
Water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while the plant establishes, without allowing it to become waterlogged. For detailed instructions, consult our rose planting guide →.

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