Wilhelm Kordes

W. Kordes' Söhne, widely recognized as one of the world's most prestigious rose breeders, is a family-owned company with a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1887. Established by Wilhelm Kordes in Elmshorn, Germany, the firm has remained under the dedicated management of the Kordes family for five generations. Over more than a century, the company has evolved from a local nursery into an internationally acclaimed horticultural enterprise, synonymous with excellence in rose development and cultivation.

The company is globally renowned for its rigorous breeding program, which prioritizes exceptional health, winter hardiness, and garden performance. Unlike many other breeders, Kordes discontinued the use of chemical fungicides in its trial fields in the 1990s, forcing the selection of only the most robust and disease-resistant genetic lines. This commitment to sustainability and quality has earned the company a stellar reputation among both professional growers and amateur gardeners worldwide. Today, their genetics serve as a cornerstone for rose cultivation across diverse climates, cementing their position as a leader in the global ornamental plant industry.