Rosa Papa Meilland

Rosa Papa Meilland is an extraordinary variety, which has held a special place in the hearts of gardeners worldwide for over 50 years. This generous rose never ceases to charm with its perfectly-formed flowers composed of velvety purple-crimson petals highlighted by deep blackish-blue reflections. These roses emit a remarkable fragrance. Plant this beauty in a bright and airy location that will show its gorgeous light green foliage to the best advantage.

Rosa Papa Meilland is a modern shrub rose, also known as hybrid tea rose, introduced in France in 1963 by Meilland. It is certainly one of the most acclaimed dark red roses internationally. Voted "Favourite Rose of the World" in 1988, it also won the gold medal in Geneva in 1962 and the perfume prize in Geneva in 1963. This beautiful bush reaches about 95cm (37in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width at maturity, with moderate growth. It produces sturdy branches, which bear abundant light green foliage. It is, however, susceptible to blackspot and powdery mildew. Its large flowers are typical of hybrid teas. They are composed of 30 to 35 petals, measuring 14cm (6in) in diameter. Throughout summer, they open majestically in a dark red and fragrant whirl. They are solitary, borne at the end of long shoots from the current year or emerging from 2-year-old stems. Their fragrance is sweet and sugary, with hints of lemon. The flowers will keep on blooming if faded blooms are removed.

Rosa Papa Meilland is perfect in all scented gardens. Its magnificent flowers will enhance the decor of any bed, even the humblest. With its heady fragrance, sumptuous flowers, and beautiful floribundity, it will fit perfectly in a large rose bed or stand alone in a small well-kept garden. It adapts to all soils that are not too dry and all climates, tolerating both rain and heat. It pairs perfectly with pale-pink roses like 'Prince Jardinier', or white ones like 'Fée des Neiges', and easy-to-grow perennials like daylilies, perennial geraniums, or bellflowers.