CHERRY GIRL® – cherry-red bedding floribunda rose - Kordes
Cherry Girl® brings a flush of colour and structure to compact front gardens, forming a compact shrub that suits neat London terraces and small urban plots. Its ADR distinction attests to reliable performance and a stable, long-term presence in family gardens, even where wetter spells and blustery weather test planting schemes with heavy showers and stiff breezes. As an own-root rose it offers enduring resilience, quietly building a stronger framework so that, over three seasons, roots establish, then top growth increases, and by the third year full ornamental value emerges. Strongly remontant, it delivers repeated flowering in vivid cherry-red clusters, complemented by medium, harmonious fragrance, helping you keep a sustainable, low-lawn, rainwater-conscious space feeling carefully balanced without complicated gardening routines.
Usage options
| Target area | Reasoning |
|---|
| Front-garden structure for London terraces |
The bushy, compact habit and mid-height stature provide clear structure along paths or low railings, giving orderly definition without dominating small spaces and working well with modest paving layouts for urban homeowners |
| Continuous colour in family borders |
Strongly remontant flowering ensures repeated flushes of cherry-red clusters from early summer into autumn, so beds never feel bare and children see a reliably colourful feature through the main garden season for busy families |
| Long-term planting in sustainable schemes |
As an own-root shrub, it rebuilds from its base if damaged, supporting stable ornamental value over many years, fitting long-term planting plans where you prefer to plant once and then simply maintain lightly for forward-planning gardeners |
| Rainwater-conscious front gardens and clay soils |
Its robust shrub framework and fibrous root system perform reliably when paired with good soil preparation and drainage in wetter, wind-exposed plots, coping well where downpours quickly saturate front beds in town settings for climate-aware gardeners |
| Low, colourful hedging |
The recommended close spacing allows you to create a low, cherry-red hedge that reads as a single band of colour, ideal for softening parking areas or separating play space from planting without high visual barriers for practical planners |
| Feature planting in large containers |
In a 40–50 litre or larger container, its upright, compact growth habit and dense foliage give a well-filled look, while repeated clusters of blooms provide season-long interest on balconies, patios or paved forecourts for container gardeners |
| Scented seating corners |
Medium-strength, harmonious fragrance from clusters of blooms adds a gentle scent around a bench or doorstep chair, giving sensory pleasure without overwhelming small spaces and complementing other subtly perfumed plants nearby for scent-seeking owners |
| Wildlife-friendly, mixed perennial beds |
Although the very double flowers offer limited direct forage, its long-term shrub presence and occasional hips give structure and shelter, working well alongside nectar-rich partners to support a more wildlife-conscious planting layout for eco-minded gardeners |
Styling ideas
- Cherry-Path – Line a narrow front path with Cherry Girl® and lamb’s ear, letting silvery foliage soften the vivid red clusters – ideal for terrace owners wanting a welcoming everyday entrance.
- Urban-Hedge – Plant a low hedge at 40 cm spacing along railings, underplant with Euonymus ‘Minimus’ to knit the base together – suitable for families who need tidy, durable structure.
- Rain-Garden – Combine with daylilies and ornamental grasses in a slightly raised, well-drained bed to catch and slow roof run-off – for climate-conscious gardeners managing heavy showers gracefully.
- Balcony-Focus – Grow one shrub in a 50 litre pot with trailing thyme and compact sage for colour, scent, and simple care – aimed at balcony and patio gardeners seeking one strong focal point.
- Evening-Nook – Pair near a small seating area with nepeta and lavender, where repeated flowering and gentle perfume frame a calm evening spot – perfect for those who unwind outdoors after work.
Technical cultivar profile
| Trait | Data |
|---|
| Name and registration |
Cherry Girl® (KORkosieb), floribunda bedding rose, shrub/bedding category; ARS exhibition name Cherry Girl. Trade name: Cherry Girl® Bedding rose KORkosieb; collection: bedding rose. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Tim-Hermann Kordes, W. Kordes’ Söhne, Germany; parentage unknown seedling × ‘KORparesni’ (Rosenprofessor Sieber®); introduced and registered in 2009 by W. Kordes’ Söhne. |
| Awards and recognition |
Holds ADR (2007) quality label and Golden Rose of Hradec gold medal, with additional gold and silver medals at international rose trials, indicating strong overall garden and ornamental performance. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Bushy, compact, upright shrub to about 85–115 cm high and 55–85 cm wide, with dense, slightly glossy dark green foliage and moderate prickles, forming a tidy, medium-sized bedding or low-hedge plant. |
| Flower morphology |
Very double, cup-shaped blooms with 40+ petals, medium-sized clusters on each stem. Strongly remontant habit gives an abundant second flowering, with inflorescences forming classic floribunda-style trusses. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Cherry-red petals (RHS 53A, 53C; ARS MR) with slightly darker centre. Buds deep velvety cherry-red; blooms stay vivid, then fade to paler cherry-red with some purplish or crimson tones as they age. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Medium-strength, noticeable rose fragrance with a pleasant, harmonious character, best appreciated near seating or entrances. Scent combines well with other fragrant plants in small urban or family gardens. |
| Hip characteristics |
Occasional small, spherical red hips, about 6–9 mm in diameter, forming after flowering where spent blooms are not removed, adding modest late-season interest without dominating the shrub’s appearance. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Very hardy to around −29 to −26 °C (RHS H7; Swedish zone 4; USDA 5a). Susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot and rust, so regular monitoring, hygiene and plant protection are recommended in damp areas. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best at 40–50 cm spacing in mass or hedge plantings; allow 75 cm as a specimen. Needs proactive disease management and good air circulation. Own-root form supports long-term resilience and regeneration. |
Cherry Girl® offers compact structure, repeat cherry-red flowering and a long-lived own-root framework, making it a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking reliable colour with straightforward care.
