Wilhelm Kordes III of Germany is the head of the firm Wilhelm Kordes Söhn, founded in 1887. Its international reputation was made by Wilhelm Kordes II, his grandfather, considered by many to be the greatest, certainly the most imaginative, of all rose breeders, who gave the world ‘Crimson Glory’ ‘Frühlingsmorgen’ and the ‘Kordessi Climbers’ and many, many others.

Wilhelm III is following in his grandfather's footsteps as he is about to be named one of the 'Great Rosarians of the World' by Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York and by Huntingdon Botanical Gardens in Califorinia.