Illusion® climbing rose – pharmaROSA® NEONATAL propagation material
Illusion offers own-root climber propagation material for growers who need reliable, space‑defining vertical feature plants in professional ranges, particularly where pergolas, walls or pillars require a visually strong structure. As tray‑rooted, 3–6‑month‑old pharmaROSA® NEONATAL cuttings, it provides a predictable base for trained 5–7 L climber production, integrating efficiently into nursery logistics and supporting coordinated availability for retail and reseller ranges. Its glossy, dark green foliage and dense leaf mass create a convincing finished‑product presence, while the ruby‑to‑burgundy tonal transitions of the double, medium‑sized clusters give a classic collection accent suitable for thematic rose gardens and dedicated climber groupings. Own‑root longevity and regeneration support low replacement and more homogeneous stands over time, helping to stabilise stock for integrator systems and public‑realm suppliers, even under colder UK conditions where its hardiness to approximately –26 °C provides useful assurance. This aligns well with long‑term vertical schemes in exposed northern sites, where dependable winter survival supports planning for multi‑year projects.
Usage options
Finished-product ideas
- 5–7 L trained pergola climber – Own-root, staked Illusion® with 3–5 canes for pergolas and arches, capitalising on its dense foliage and classic climbing habit; positioned as an exclusive, space‑defining vertical unit for retail and reseller programmes.
- Wall and fence climber line – Uniform batches from pharmaROSA® NEONATAL cuttings grown into 5–7 L trained climbers for wall and fence planting, highlighting winter hardiness and long‑term regeneration for boundary projects via retail networks.
- Collector’s climber selection – A curated SKU grouping Illusion® with other historically significant climbers, using its breeder background and colour transitions as key features, supplied as own‑root trained plants for specialist garden centres and collection‑oriented resellers.
- Fragrant entrance pillar set – Paired 5–7 L pillar‑trained Illusion® plants marketed for entrances and gateways, leveraging its climbing height and medium, fruity fragrance, targeted at design‑led retail partners building vertical garden feature concepts.
- Cold‑region vertical project stock – Contract‑grown lots of Illusion® from NEONATAL starting material for hardy vertical schemes, focusing on its H7/zone 4 hardiness and own‑root longevity, dedicated to nursery and integrator supply chains servicing public‑realm projects.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Registered cultivar name Illusion, commercial trade name Illusion® climbing rose Illusion; ARS approved exhibition name Illusion; exhibition category classic shrub rose and exhibition climbing rose. |
| Origin and breeding |
Hybrid Kordesii climber from W. Kordes’ Söhne, bred and introduced in Germany in 1961 by Reimer Kordes; parentage is unknown, typical of early modern climber development of that period. |
| Awards and recognition |
Recognised in American Rose Society exhibition circles, holding Classic Shrub Rose Award distinctions in 2000 and 2005, reinforcing its relevance for collectors and exhibition‑oriented thematic plantings. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Climbing habit with height approximately 220–340 cm and spread 140–220 cm; dense, glossy dark green foliage and moderately thorny canes; self‑cleaning intensity not documented, so light grooming may be necessary. |
| Flower morphology |
Medium‑sized, double‑flowered blooms with about 26–39 petals, cup‑shaped and borne in clusters; remontant with a lighter second flush later in the season, providing repeated but not continuous ornamental interest. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Red cultivar with ARS code R; RHS 53A outer, 53B inner; colour shifts from vivid ruby and velvety crimson through deepening carmine to maroon and burgundy with faint purple overlay, showing moderate overall fading in full bloom. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Medium‑strength, fresh and fruity fragrance character; double flowers provide limited access for pollinators, so the variety is primarily ornamental rather than ecosystem‑service oriented in professional planting schemes. |
| Hip characteristics |
Occasional ellipsoidal red hips, around 9–15 mm in diameter, forming a discreet autumn feature but not at a level that typically determines production or marketing direction for this climber. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Highly susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot and rust, requiring regular plant‑protection; winter hardiness rated RHS H7, approximately –26 to –23 °C, Swedish zone 4 and USDA 5b, suitable for colder climates with adequate care. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best used as a climber on pergolas, walls, fences, pillars, hedges and specimens; maintenance requirement high with planned protection; recommended as a staked, trained climber finished product in 5–7 L pots for professional production. |
Illusion® combines a convincing climbing structure, dense foliage and reliable winter hardiness on an own-root base that supports predictable, regenerating long-term stands; it is well worth aligning capacity and scheduling if you plan vertical feature ranges.
