This rose was growing in our garden when we took it over, on a trellis against an east facing wall of an iron oxide red shed. An ancient specimen that appeared to be neglected and badly butchered for years. After a good pruning in early spring, a second spring pruning to cut back the yellow canes covered in black spot, and a lot of heavy spraying, this rose grew back with a vengeance, quickly reaching over two meters high with the top cascading out over our heads. The blooms were showy and well formed, but lacked charm and fragrance. The color was clear and bright, but also lacked charm and disappeared against the color of the wall. We replaced the entire plant after painting the shed.
To distinguish between the 1959 and the 2009 'Heidelberg's, the class, breeder and date are added to the HelpMefind listing name. Because of the 1983 reference and the Note on the main page, it looks as though the name should be changed from 'Heidelberg' (hybrid kordesii, Kordes, 1959 to 'Heidelberg' (shrub, Kordes, 1959).
Many cataloques will describe a 6 foot rose as a climber. Heidelberg was introduced as a tall shrub but if supported will grow a little taller. If you want it as a climber then it will need to be supported with little or no pruning. As a shrub it will require pruning back in the spring by a third.
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#2 posted
25 FEB 04 by
Anonymous-797
You may well use it as a climber. I do, in the southern part of Norway.