QUICKSILVER – purple climbing rose - Kordes
Step out after rain into a front garden that feels composed and quietly romantic: Quicksilver brings softly cupped, lavender blooms and a gentle scent that sit beautifully against brick, railings or a simple arch. Its colour holds best in cooler British summers, giving you long, elegant flushes rather than a single display, while the moderately self-cleaning habit helps keep the plant looking tidy with only light deadheading. Trained on a narrow fence or arch, the climber shape adds height without overwhelming smaller London-style plots, and its dark, glossy foliage frames the flowers even when they are between flushes. Own-root plants build strength slowly but surely for a long life in your garden, and their ability to recover from winter or pruning offers reassuring resilience over time. With thoughtful siting and regular care they reward you with years of romance, making the most of spaces that face humid, fungus-prone weather and blustery showers common in many UK gardens.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Narrow London front-garden fence |
Perfect where ground space is limited but vertical interest is needed: its climbing habit and dense foliage clothe railings or low fences while the lavender blooms sit at eye level by the gate, appealing to the style-conscious urban homeowner. |
| Rose arch over a path |
The long flowering season and repeat flushes create a romantic tunnel effect across summer, with medium-sized, very double blooms that brush your shoulders as you pass, suiting those who want immersive flower colour for relaxed garden strolling. |
| Wall-mounted trellis by the front door |
Placed near an entrance, its distinct lavender-rose fragrance and soft pastel colour make everyday arrivals feel special, providing an elegant backdrop for pots and containers, ideal for busy people who prize a welcoming first impression. |
| Side return or partial-shade passage |
Tolerant of partial shade, it can brighten the often-neglected side of a terraced house, where the cool-toned flowers read clearly even in lower light, appealing to those wishing to soften hard boundaries between neighbouring properties. |
| Romantic seating corner |
Its medium, distinct scent and pastel lavender tones support a calm, reflective mood around a bench or bistro set, particularly in gardens designed for quiet reading or conversation, suiting householders who value tranquil outdoor moments. |
| Clothed privacy screen on a narrow boundary |
The dense, dark green foliage and climbing framework help break up views of parked cars or bins, while the relatively sparse thorns make maintenance less daunting, useful for families seeking softer screening around shared spaces. |
| Large container on a small patio (min. 50 L) |
In a substantial container with a sturdy obelisk, it brings vertical impact to paved or gravelled front gardens, supporting rainwater-friendly layouts that minimise lawn while still offering bloom, ideal for design-led urban gardeners. |
| Feature plant in a climber border |
Used as the focal climber among perennials and shrubs, its pastel-purple flowers and moderate height pair well with silvers and whites, especially where careful siting and good air flow help it cope with the UK’s frequent wet, fungus-prone conditions. |
Styling ideas
- Pastel Archway – Train over a slim arch with white clematis and soft pink nepeta below for a gentle, romantic entrance – suited to terrace owners wanting a feminine, “girly” welcome.
- Lavender Partner – Underplant with lavender and compact sage to echo the purple tones and provide contrast in scent and texture – ideal for low-maintenance, fragrance-loving households.
- Cool Courtyard – Combine with slate paving, white pots and silver foliage (such as Artemisia) for a calm, contemporary courtyard – good for design-focused urban couples.
- Soft Screen – Let it climb a narrow trellis with Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus’ and small grasses at the base to soften street views – perfect for families seeking privacy without solid fencing.
- Evening Nook – Place near a bistro set with white verbena and pale bedding plants so blooms catch dusk light and fragrance surrounds seating – appealing to those who unwind outdoors after work.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Quicksilver Climbing rose KORpucoblu, large-flowered climber; registered as KORpucoblu, ARS exhibition name ‘Quick Silver’, premium gold quality rating for garden use. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Tim-Hermann Kordes (Germany) from unnamed seedlings; bred 2004, registered 2015, introduced 2016 by W. Kordes’ Söhne Rosenschulen GmbH & Co. KG. |
| Awards and recognition |
Recognised at the Australian National Rose Trials with a Certificate of Merit in 2022, reflecting ornamental appeal and performance under independent trial conditions. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Vigorous climbing habit reaching about 180–300 cm in height, 90–160 cm spread; dense, slightly glossy dark green foliage, sparsely thorned stems, moderate self-cleaning, best with support. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, very double, cupped blooms with over 40 petals; flowers carried in clusters, remontant with generous second flush, bloom diameter typically around 7–10 cm under garden conditions. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Delicate pastel lavender to silvery lilac, RHS 76C outer and 76A inner; colour strongest in cooler weather, fading in heat; gradient deepens slightly toward flower centre through the season. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Medium-strength, distinctly scented fragrance with a soft lavender-rose character; best appreciated at head height on arches or trellises and in still, mild evening conditions. |
| Hip characteristics |
Rose-hip set is generally light due to very double flowers, though occasional small ellipsoidal orange-red hips, about 9–15 mm, may develop late in the season. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Very susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot and rust, requiring regular preventive care; reliably hardy to approximately –26 to –23 °C, corresponding to RHS H7 and USDA zone 5b. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best on pergolas, fences, arches and walls in airy, sunny spots; suitable for partial shade, spaced 140–240 cm apart; needs consistent care, feeding and disease management for top performance. |
Quicksilver Climbing rose KORpucoblu offers romantic lavender blooms, a long flowering season and elegant height in own-root form that matures reliably over the years, making it a thoughtful choice where you can commit to regular care.
