Kardinal Rose | Scarlet Red Hybrid Tea | Rosa ‘KORlingo’

Also known as Kardinal 85, this award-winning exhibition and cut-flower rose was bred by Kordes in Germany. Its thick, durable petals help the flowers maintain their shape in the garden and provide a long vase life after cutting.

Kardinal develops an upright, bushy habit with healthy green foliage and produces repeated flower flushes from spring through autumn. Under suitable conditions, the interval between flowering flushes can be relatively short, with new blooms often appearing approximately 40–45 days after the previous display.

This cultivar is valued primarily for its flower colour, form, vigour and garden performance rather than fragrance. Reliable references generally describe Kardinal as having little to no noticeable perfume.

Suitable for dedicated rose gardens, cutting gardens, formal beds, mixed borders and large containers across temperate, warm-temperate and subtropical Australian climates.

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted bush rose.

Plant Size Note

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted rose.

The rose is supplied without a pot and will normally be dormant or semi-dormant when dispatched. It may arrive with pruned, leafless canes and roots enclosed in protective packaging.

Depending on the climate and dispatch timing, the plant may have no foliage, swelling buds or a small amount of new growth.

This dormant appearance is normal and does not mean the rose is dead.

The roots and canes may be trimmed before packing for safe transport and healthy establishment.

Although the rose is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size. It will require planting and new seasonal growth before developing the established bush and flower display shown in example images.

Features

• Brilliant scarlet-red flowers
• Subtle yellow colouring at the base of the petals
• Large, double, high-centred Hybrid Tea blooms
• Flowers generally hold their shape well
• Long stems suitable for cutting
• Good vase life
• Upright and vigorous bush growth
• Repeated flowering from spring through autumn
• Relatively short interval between flowering flushes
• Performs in hot and cool rose-growing climates
• Good disease resistance under suitable conditions
• Suitable for garden beds and large containers
• Supplied as a two-year-old bagged bare-rooted rose

Flower Colour

Kardinal produces brilliant scarlet to medium-red flowers.

The petals have yellow colouring near their base, which may be visible as the flower opens and adds warmth and depth to the overall red appearance.

Flower colour may vary slightly according to:

• Temperature
• Sunlight
• Flower age
• Seasonal conditions
• Local climate
• Plant nutrition

The flowers generally retain a clear, bright red colour, although extreme heat and intense sunlight may cause mature blooms to fade more quickly.

Flower Form and Fragrance

Kardinal produces large, double flowers with approximately 17–35 petals, depending on the plant, climate and growing conditions.

The long, pointed buds open into classic high-centred Hybrid Tea blooms. Flowers are generally carried individually or in small groups on long, upright stems.

The thick petals help the flowers retain their form and provide good durability both in the garden and as cut flowers.

Kardinal is primarily grown for its flower quality rather than perfume. Its fragrance is generally considered absent to mild and may not be noticeable in every bloom.

Fragrance intensity can vary with temperature, humidity, flower maturity and individual perception.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

Kardinal develops into a vigorous, upright and moderately bushy rose.

The bush form generally reaches approximately:

Mature Height: 1.2–1.3 metres
Mature Width: Approximately 0.9–1.2 metres

Some plants may grow taller under favourable conditions, particularly in warm climates with a long growing season.

The supplied product is the bush Hybrid Tea form, not the climbing Kardinal sport. The climbing form can reach approximately 3 metres or more and is a separate plant type.

Allow sufficient space around the bush for airflow, pruning and garden maintenance. Avoid crowding the rose between dense shrubs or planting it directly against a solid wall.

Plant Characteristics

Kardinal is a grafted Hybrid Tea Rose with woody, thorn-bearing canes and leathery green compound foliage.

The plant produces strong, upright flowering stems capable of supporting its large blooms. It is particularly suited to cutting because the flowers are commonly carried on long stems and retain their form well after harvest.

Kardinal is often valued for:

• Clear scarlet-red colour
• Classical flower shape
• Reliable repeat flowering
• Strong cutting stems
• Heat and cold tolerance
• Good flower durability
• Relatively vigorous growth
• Good general disease resistance

The plant can still be affected by common rose pests and diseases. Good resistance does not mean complete immunity, particularly during prolonged wet or humid weather.

Kardinal is also known for producing numerous sharp thorns. Wear gloves and use care when pruning, planting or cutting flowers.

Plant Class and Life Cycle

Kardinal is a Hybrid Tea bush rose from the Rosaceae family.

It is a woody, long-lived perennial.

The plant is generally deciduous in temperate and cool Australian climates, losing its leaves and entering dormancy during winter.

In subtropical and mild coastal climates, it may remain partly foliated or experience a shorter period of reduced growth.

The bagged bare-rooted plant is supplied during its natural dormant or reduced-growth stage.

Planting a Bagged Bare-Root Rose

Open the packaging promptly after delivery and do not allow the roots to dry out.

Remove the rose from the bag and gently clear loose packing material from around the roots.

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire plant submerged or soak the roots for an extended period.

Choose a position with full sun, freely draining soil and good airflow.

Dig a planting hole wide enough for the roots to spread naturally without being tightly bent, twisted or compressed.

Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole and arrange the roots evenly over it.

In most mild Australian climates, position the graft or bud union approximately level with or slightly above the finished soil surface.

Backfill carefully, gently firming the soil around the roots to remove large air pockets.

Water thoroughly after planting.

Do not place concentrated fertiliser or fresh manure directly against the bare roots.

Apply mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the graft and main canes.

Preferred Soil Type

Kardinal grows best in fertile, organic-rich soil that retains some moisture while draining freely.

Suitable soil types include:

• Improved loam
• Sandy loam enriched with compost
• Well-structured clay
• Raised garden beds
• Premium rose potting mix

A slightly acidic to neutral soil is generally preferred.

Improve sandy soil with compost or well-decomposed organic matter to increase nutrient and moisture retention.

Heavy clay should be improved before planting. Raised planting may be necessary where drainage is poor.

Avoid permanently wet, compacted or waterlogged soil.

Where another rose has recently failed, replace or substantially improve the surrounding soil before planting.

Sunlight

Plant Kardinal in full sun.

A position receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day will generally support the strongest flowering, healthiest foliage and most robust stems.

Morning sun is particularly useful because it helps dry moisture from the leaves.

In extremely hot inland climates, some protection from severe late-afternoon heat may help prolong flower life. The plant should still receive sufficient direct sunlight.

Deep shade is unsuitable and may result in weak stems, reduced flowering and increased fungal disease pressure.

Watering Needs

Water deeply and regularly while the bare-root rose establishes.

A newly planted rose has a limited active root system and should not be allowed to dry out during its first growing season.

Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry rather than applying frequent shallow watering.

Watering frequency will depend on:

• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Soil type
• Wind exposure
• Plant size
• Container or garden cultivation

Additional watering may be required during hot Australian summers, prolonged dry weather and periods of active flowering.

Apply water around the root zone rather than routinely wetting the flowers and foliage.

Morning watering is preferred so accidental moisture on the leaves can dry during the day.

Avoid continuously saturated soil, which can damage the roots and encourage disease.

Flowering Season

Kardinal is a repeat-flowering rose.

It generally produces successive flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

The first flowers are often among the earlier Hybrid Tea blooms to appear during spring.

Under favourable conditions, the interval between flowering flushes may be approximately:

• Around 40 days during summer
• Around 45 days during autumn

These periods are approximate rather than guaranteed. Timing will depend on climate, deadheading, water, fertilising, sunlight and plant health.

Flowering may temporarily slow during:

• Extreme heat
• Prolonged drought
• Cold winter conditions
• Severe pest or disease pressure
• Periods immediately after heavy pruning

Regular deadheading encourages the plant to produce new flowering stems.

A newly planted bare-root rose may flower during its first growing season, but flower number and stem strength generally improve as the plant establishes.

Australian Climate and Hardiness

Kardinal can be grown across many Australian rose-growing regions, including:

• Subtropical climates
• Warm-temperate climates
• Cool-temperate climates
• Mediterranean-style climates
• Mild coastal districts
• Sheltered inland gardens
• Frost-prone regions with winter dormancy

It is known for tolerating both warm and cool growing conditions, although plant performance will still depend on adequate sunlight, soil drainage, watering and airflow.

Subtropical Gardens

Kardinal can be grown in subtropical Australian gardens, including the Northern Rivers of NSW and south-east Queensland.

Warm subtropical conditions can support vigorous growth and frequent flowering.

Humidity and extended wet weather may increase the risk of black spot, mildew and other fungal diseases. Plant in an open, sunny position and avoid crowding.

Water around the root zone, remove fallen diseased foliage and monitor new growth regularly.

Tropical Gardens

Hybrid Tea Roses can be more challenging in persistently hot and humid tropical climates.

Kardinal’s heat tolerance may make it more adaptable than some cultivars, but it will still require:

• Strong airflow
• Good drainage
• Regular disease monitoring
• Consistent moisture
• Protection from extreme reflected heat

It is generally better suited to elevated or seasonally cooler tropical districts than constantly hot and wet lowland conditions.

Cool-Temperate Gardens

Kardinal performs well in cool and temperate rose-growing districts.

Winter dormancy allows the plant to be pruned before producing strong new spring growth.

Protect fresh shoots from unusually severe late frost where necessary.

Frost and Cold Tolerance

Established dormant roses tolerate normal winter frost and cold conditions.

Fresh shoots, flower buds and open blooms can be damaged by severe or late frost.

Newly planted bare-root roses should be protected from unusually harsh conditions until their roots establish.

Heat Tolerance

Kardinal is regarded as a heat-tolerant Hybrid Tea Rose and generally retains its flower shape well during warm conditions.

However, extreme heat may still:

• Shorten flower life
• Fade mature petals
• Scorch flower edges
• Reduce bloom size
• Temporarily slow flowering
• Increase water requirements

Deep watering and mulch help reduce heat stress.

Humidity Tolerance

Kardinal can grow in humid climates but may require increased disease monitoring.

Good spacing, full sun, morning light and watering at soil level will help reduce fungal disease pressure.

Coastal Tolerance

Suitable for protected coastal gardens away from severe ocean winds and direct salt spray.

Strong salt exposure may damage flowers, buds and foliage.

Drought Tolerance

Established roses can tolerate short dry periods, but Kardinal grows and flowers best with consistent soil moisture.

Extended drought may reduce flowering, cause leaf loss and increase stress-related pest problems.

It should not be treated as a no-water plant.

Suitable Spaces and Landscape Uses

Kardinal Rose is suitable for:

• Dedicated rose gardens
• Red-themed gardens
• Cut-flower gardens
• Formal beds
• Mixed borders
• Feature planting
• Front gardens
• Cottage-style gardens
• Memorial gardens
• Driveway and entrance planting
• Large containers
• Temperate gardens
• Subtropical rose gardens

Its bright red colouring creates a strong contrast with white, cream, silver, pale pink and blue-flowering plants.

Plant where the upright stems and flowers can be reached safely for cutting while allowing space around the thorny canes.

Avoid planting immediately beside narrow paths, children’s play areas or frequently used access points where the thorns may cause injury.

Growing in Pots

Kardinal can be grown in a large container.

Choose a sturdy pot with generous drainage holes and enough depth for a substantial rose root system.

Use a premium potting mix formulated for roses or flowering shrubs. Do not use ordinary garden soil in containers, as it can compact and drain poorly.

Container-grown roses require:

• More frequent watering
• Regular feeding
• Consistent deadheading
• Annual renewal of the upper potting mix
• Monitoring for root congestion
• Protection from overheated pots
• Periodic repotting or root management

Do not allow the container to stand continuously in water.

Position the pot where the rose receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and sufficient airflow.

Pruning

Kardinal benefits from annual pruning to maintain a balanced framework and encourage strong new flowering stems.

Winter Pruning

In temperate and cool climates, complete the main prune during winter while the plant is dormant.

Remove:

• Dead or damaged canes
• Diseased wood
• Thin or weak growth
• Crossing stems
• Inward-growing branches
• Old, unproductive canes
• Suckers arising below the graft

Shorten the remaining healthy canes to outward-facing buds, creating an open centre with good airflow.

In frost-prone districts, avoid pruning so early that tender new shoots emerge before the final severe frost.

Subtropical Pruning

In mild subtropical climates, prune during the cooler and generally drier part of the year.

The plant may not become completely dormant in warm regions.

Avoid severe pruning immediately before prolonged wet weather or extreme heat.

Deadheading

Remove spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new flowering stems.

Cut back to a healthy outward-facing leaf or bud rather than removing only the flower head.

Kardinal can have numerous sharp thorns. Wear strong gloves, long sleeves and eye protection where appropriate.

Always use clean, sharp secateurs.

Fertilising

Do not place concentrated fertiliser directly against the roots of a newly planted bare-root rose.

Allow the plant to establish and begin producing healthy new foliage before starting a regular fertilising program.

Once established, apply a fertiliser formulated for roses during active growth according to the product directions.

Useful feeding periods include:

• As spring growth begins
• After major flowering flushes
• During the active growing season
• After pruning once new growth is established

Kardinal is a vigorous, frequently flowering cultivar and may benefit from regular balanced nutrition.

Compost and well-decomposed organic matter can improve soil structure and nutrient availability.

Water before and after applying granular fertiliser.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage soft foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Reduce or stop feeding as the plant approaches winter dormancy in cooler climates.

Pests and Disease Management

Kardinal is regarded as having good general disease resistance and above-average resistance to some common rose diseases.

However, no Hybrid Tea Rose is completely immune.

Potential problems include:

• Black spot
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Aphids
• Thrips
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Cane dieback

Disease pressure can increase during humid, wet or poorly ventilated conditions.

To support healthy growth:

• Plant in full sun
• Maintain good airflow
• Water around the root zone
• Remove fallen diseased leaves
• Avoid crowding
• Maintain balanced nutrition
• Inspect buds and new growth regularly
• Use clean pruning equipment

Thrips can mark or distort developing flowers, particularly during warm, dry weather.

Disease resistance can also vary with local climate, rootstock, plant health and the strains of disease present in the area.

Pollinator and Wildlife Value

The flowers may be visited by bees and other insects.

Because Kardinal produces densely petalled, high-centred blooms, the pollen-bearing centre may be less accessible than that of a single-flowered rose.

It should not be relied upon as a primary pollinator plant.

Combine it with single-flowered native and exotic plants to provide more accessible pollen and nectar.

Kardinal is not generally considered a significant bird-attracting plant.

Pet Safety

Roses are generally classified as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

However, Kardinal should not be considered completely hazard-free.

The numerous sharp thorns may cause:

• Puncture wounds
• Mouth injuries
• Scratches
• Eye damage

Eating a large quantity of plant material may also cause mild digestive upset.

Rose fertilisers, insecticides and fungicides may be harmful to animals.

Keep pets away from recently treated plants and store garden chemicals securely.

Seek veterinary advice if a pet is injured by thorns or develops symptoms after chewing treated plant material.

Product Details

Plant Name: Kardinal Hybrid Tea Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa ‘KORlingo’
Retail Name: Kardinal Rose
Trade Name: Kardinal 85
Common Names: Kardinal Rose, Kardinal 85 Rose, Red Hybrid Tea Rose
Rose Class: Hybrid Tea Rose
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Breeder: Reimer Kordes, Germany
Year Introduced: 1985
Plant Life Cycle: Woody perennial
Seasonal Habit: Deciduous in cooler climates; may be semi-deciduous in mild climates
Plant Material: Two-year-old bagged bare-rooted grafted bush rose
Flower Colour: Scarlet to bright red with yellow petal bases
Flower Form: Large, double and high-centred
Petal Count: Approximately 17–35 petals
Fragrance: None to mild
Foliage: Green, leathery compound foliage
Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright and bushy
Mature Height: Approximately 1.2–1.3 metres
Mature Width: Approximately 0.9–1.2 metres
Flowering Season: Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
Sunlight: Full sun, preferably at least six hours daily
Preferred Soil: Fertile, organic-rich and freely draining soil
Watering Needs: Regular during establishment; deep watering during active growth and dry weather
Australian Climate: Subtropical, warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean-style climates
Frost Tolerance: Established dormant plants tolerate winter frost; fresh growth and flowers may be damaged
Heat Tolerance: Good with adequate moisture
Humidity Tolerance: Suitable with strong airflow and disease monitoring
Coastal Tolerance: Suitable for protected coastal gardens away from direct salt spray
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Pet Safety: Roses are non-toxic to dogs and cats, but thorns and garden chemicals present hazards
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers may be visited by insects, although dense petals limit access
Bird Attracting: Not regarded as a significant bird-attracting plant
Suitable Spaces: Rose gardens, cut-flower beds, formal gardens, mixed borders and large containers
Pot Suitability: Suitable for a large, freely draining container
Pruning: Annual winter pruning with regular deadheading
Pollination Requirement: No second rose is required for flowering
Shipping Restrictions: State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply

Important Note

Images show mature, established plants in flower and are provided as examples only.

You will receive a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted bush rose, not a leafy or flowering potted plant.

Bare-root roses are normally supplied dormant or semi-dormant and may resemble a group of pruned, leafless canes with exposed roots.

Roots and canes may have been trimmed before packing. Variation in cane length, cane number, bud development and seasonal appearance is normal.

Although the rose is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size.

The plant will require planting, establishment and new seasonal growth before developing foliage and flowers.

This listing is for the bush Hybrid Tea form of Kardinal, which generally reaches approximately 1.2–1.3 metres high. It is not the separate climbing form that may reach around 3 metres.

Flower colour, bloom size, petal count, growth rate and flowering performance will vary according to climate, temperature, sunlight, soil, water, fertilising and plant maturity.

Kardinal is primarily valued for its flower colour and form. It generally has little to no noticeable fragrance.

Growth and flowering within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

Biosecurity and Shipping

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bagged bare-rooted roses and other live plant material.

Please check whether this rose can be sent to your delivery address before ordering.

Some destinations may require additional inspection, treatment, certification or removal of packing materials.

Orders placed for restricted destinations may need to be cancelled and refunded.

Biosecurity requirements may change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I receive?

You will receive one approximately two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted Kardinal Hybrid Tea bush rose.

Will the rose arrive in a pot?

No. It is supplied bagged and bare-rooted without a pot.

Why does the rose have no leaves?

Bare-root roses are usually supplied while dormant or during reduced winter growth. Bare canes and little or no foliage are normal.

Is the plant fully mature because it is two years old?

No. The rose is approximately two years old but has been lifted and prepared for bare-root supply. It requires time to re-establish and reach its mature size.

How soon should I plant it?

Plant as soon as practical after delivery. Keep the roots cool and moist until planting.

Should I soak the roots before planting?

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire plant submerged for an extended period.

Will it arrive in flower?

No. Bagged bare-root roses are normally supplied dormant and are not expected to be flowering when dispatched.

When will it begin flowering?

A healthy plant may flower during its first growing season. Timing depends on planting date, climate, care and establishment.

What colour are Kardinal flowers?

The flowers are brilliant scarlet to bright red, with subtle yellow colouring near the base of the petals.

Are the flowers fragrant?

Kardinal generally has little to no noticeable fragrance. It is primarily grown for its classical flower shape, bright colour and cut-flower performance.

Are the flowers suitable for cutting?

Yes. Kardinal produces long stems and durable flowers that generally hold their shape well in a vase.

How long is the interval between flowering flushes?

Under favourable conditions, the period between flushes may be around 40 days in summer and 45 days in autumn. This timing is approximate and cannot be guaranteed.

How large does the bush rose grow?

The bush form generally reaches approximately 1.2–1.3 metres high and 0.9–1.2 metres wide.

Does Kardinal grow to 3 metres?

The standard bush Hybrid Tea form does not normally reach 3 metres. That height applies more closely to the separate climbing sport of Kardinal.

Is this the climbing Kardinal Rose?

No. This product is the upright Hybrid Tea bush form.

Is Kardinal evergreen?

No. It is generally deciduous in cooler climates. It may retain some foliage in mild subtropical areas.

When does Kardinal flower?

It produces repeated flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

Does it need full sun?

Yes. At least six hours of direct sunlight each day is recommended.

Can it grow in part shade?

It may tolerate very light shade, but flowering, stem strength and plant health are generally better in full sun.

What soil does it prefer?

It prefers fertile, organic-rich and freely draining soil.

How often should it be watered?

Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry.

Is Kardinal drought tolerant?

It has moderate drought tolerance once established but flowers best with consistent moisture.

Is it frost tolerant?

Dormant established roses tolerate normal winter frost. Fresh shoots, buds and flowers may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Is Kardinal heat tolerant?

Yes. It is considered a heat-tolerant Hybrid Tea Rose, although extreme heat can still shorten flower life and increase water requirements.

Is it suitable for subtropical Australian gardens?

Yes. Full sun, airflow and fungal disease monitoring are important in humid subtropical conditions.

Can it grow in cooler Australian climates?

Yes. Kardinal is also suitable for temperate and cool-temperate rose-growing areas.

Can it grow near the coast?

Yes, in a protected coastal position away from severe wind and direct salt spray.

Can Kardinal grow in a pot?

Yes. Use a large container with premium rose potting mix and generous drainage.

Does Kardinal require pruning?

Yes. Annual pruning encourages strong new flowering stems and maintains an open, healthy framework.

Should spent flowers be removed?

Yes. Regular deadheading encourages new flowering growth.

Is Kardinal disease-resistant?

Kardinal has good general disease resistance, but it is not immune to black spot, mildew, rust or other rose problems.

Does Kardinal have many thorns?

Yes. Kardinal can produce numerous sharp thorns. Wear gloves and use care when pruning or cutting flowers.

Does it require another rose for pollination?

No. A second rose is not required for flowering.

Does Kardinal attract bees?

Bees and other insects may visit the flowers, although the dense petals make the centre less accessible than single-flowered roses.

Is Kardinal pet-safe?

Roses are non-toxic to dogs and cats, but Kardinal’s sharp thorns can cause injuries. Garden chemicals applied to roses may also be harmful.

Are there biosecurity restrictions?

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bagged bare-rooted roses.