Autumn Sunset – apricot climbing rose – Lowe
Climbing own-root propagation of Autumn Sunset offers vigorous vertical structure and a fragrant apricot display for trained climber programmes, supporting UK nursery and reseller assortments that prioritise exclusive space-defining focal points. The tray-rooted pharmaROSA® NEONATAL material provides a predictable base for 5–7 L staked, trained lines with 3–5 canes, well suited to pergola, wall and fence concepts where a premium visual statement and medium maintenance are acceptable. Own-root longevity supports long-term hedge or specimen use with reduced replacement and stable capacity planning, while its H7 hardiness and -26–-23 °C rating allow reliable stocking for schemes facing colder, wind-exposed conditions in northern parts of the UK. Development is progressive and commercially manageable: roots establish in year one, structural canes build in year two, and by year three the plant shows full ornamental value, enabling forward planning for exhibition-grade, collection-oriented and thematic rose ranges.
Usage options
Finished-product ideas
- Pergola Feature Climber 7 L – 5–7 L container, 3–5 staked canes pre-trained for pergola use, exploiting vigorous height and strong fragrance for vertical garden feature ranges – retail / reseller channels
- Wall-Line Climber 7 L – trained along a short trellis in 5–7 L pots to demonstrate dense foliage and colour play, ideal for fence and wall concepts – independent garden centres and multiple retailers
- Show-Garden Collection Climber – uniform own-root plants batch-grown for thematic and exhibition gardens, highlighting exclusive space-defining character and fruity scent – public-realm and show-garden suppliers
- Hedge-and-Accent Climber 7 L – pruned into a bushier outline in 5–7 L as a repeat-flowering hedge accent with manageable maintenance – landscape-oriented nurseries and project integrators
- Large Container Signature Climber 40 L – 40–50 L specimen with established framework canes, leveraging hardiness and strong visual impact for entrances and key vistas – design-led retail and contract projects
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Climbing rose cultivar marketed as Autumn Sunset (Őszi napnyugta), a large-flowered climber for ornamental and exhibition use; ARS approved exhibition name Autumn Sunset; registered cultivar name not provided. |
| Origin and breeding |
Sport of ‘Westerland’ (Kordes, 1969), bred by Malcolm Lowe in the United States in 1986; introduced in 1987 by Lowe’s Roses, Nashua, New Hampshire, which also acted as initial distributor. |
| Awards and recognition |
Recognised by the Great Plant Picks programme in 2007 and holding an ARS garden rating of 8.1, supporting its use where proven garden performance and exhibition credibility are important. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Very vigorous climbing rose reaching approximately 240–380 cm high with 110–190 cm spread; dense, dark green glossy foliage and moderate prickliness; can be trained as a climber or pruned into a bushier structural form. |
| Flower morphology |
Semi-double, medium-sized cupped blooms (about 1.5–2.75 inches) with 13–25 petals; borne in clusters; remontant, with a notably abundant second flush; medium self-cleaning so some deadheading improves continuity. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Apricot blend with golden yellow and soft peach tones, ARS AB, RHS 21A outer and 23B inner; buds deep yellow with peach-orange tips; colour gradually softens to pastel creamy yellow with a delicate peach aftertone, slower in cool conditions. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Strong, long-lasting fruity fragrance with good garden presence; semi-double form leaves stamens comparatively accessible, attracting bees and butterflies and adding sensory value around seating, paths and entrances. |
| Hip characteristics |
Forms spherical orange hips about 15–22 mm in diameter when spent flowers are not removed; hip production is moderate and can add late-season interest where deadheading is reduced. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Medium disease resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust; moderate heat and drought tolerance with reliable flowering if watered in dry periods; hardy to around -26 to -23 °C, RHS H7, Swedish Zone 4, USDA Zone 5b. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Recommended for pergolas, fences, walls, specimen and bed use, as well as hedges and some cut-flower cutting; medium maintenance with occasional pest control; suits trained climber production in 5–7 L pots with 3–5 staked, pre-trained canes. |
Autumn Sunset offers vigorous climbing structure, strong fragrance and proven hardiness on a predictable own-root base, providing stable long-term stands for vertical feature ranges; please contact us to coordinate volumes and scheduling for your programmes.
