Rose(s) of the Month-  August 2004
by Deborah Haydock

Westerland

Clustered-flowered Climber
Kordes Bred, 1969
ARS rating: 7.6

Westerland is an apricot-orange climber which blooms in large clusters.  The double,
ruffled-edge flowers vary from a tangerine-orange to a more pink-orange coral. The flowers look like they are lit from behind, as they have a bright but not harsh glow.  It has a lovely fragrance.  

Westerland gave me a scare last year as it died back to the ground after that harsh winter of 2003/2004.  I was fully prepared to replace it as I can't imagine a summer without its bright apricot hues, intertwining with blue morning glories alongside our arbor swing.  But thankfully it's strong root system remained intact, and though it did not bloom until after the rose show, my Westerlands in mid-August are over 5 feet tall and putting out new canes constantly.  Since late June this enthusiastic grower has almost always been in bloom.  

As for disease resistance, I have never sprayed it nor even considered doing so, as it has absolutely no evidence of any black spot or mildew and is rarely bothered by bugs (except the Japanese beetles, though they prefer the white rugosas nearby).  Despite its low-ish ARS rating, I would rate Westerland as one of the top 5 most healthy roses in my fifty rose garden.  It is practically carefree, and if you love hues of orange and apricot, don't be without this robust and fragrant beauty.

Photo below featured on website: patakate.com (Patsy Cunningham)