Rosa Paul Ricard

Rosa Paul Ricard embodies exuberance and Mediterranean sweetness like no other, both through the elusive colour of its large fleshy roses with an anise fragrance, and its continuous flowering capacity. Its perfectly-shaped flowers, with delicate amber pink or yellow petals, emit a pronounced and unusual fragrance. Whether on a pathway, near a patio, or in a vase, you will enjoy their unique charm for a long time.

Rosa Paul Ricard, registered by the rose breeder Meilland in 1993, has received several awards in international competitions: the Gold Medal in Rome in 1990, the Hague Certificate in 1990, the Silver Medal in Saverne in 1990, and the Rose Prestige in Lyon in 1991. This hybrid tea rose is classified as a Floribunda, with flowers grouped in corymbs or small bouquets.

The plant forms an upright, slightly stiff bush with vigorous and rapid growth. On average, it will reach a height of 1m (3ft), with a spread of 50cm (20in). Its long, sparsely thorny stems bear compound leaves with 5 to 7 large, ovate and toothed leaflets. The foliage is intense green in colour with a matte finish. In favourable growing conditions, it is less susceptible to major rose diseases. From June until late in the season, roses with a turbinated shape and regular form, measuring 12cm (5in) in diameter, bloom continuously. They consist of about forty petals. Their colour varies depending on the temperature and climatic conditions. In cool and humid climates, they will be a warm amber yellow. In warmer and drier climates, the centre of the flower is amber-yellow, but the outer petals fade to cream pink chamois, ultimately becoming cream with a hint of powdery pink, almost 'nude'. The fragrance of the flowers reveals notes of honey, spice, and anise. It is beautifully intense. This deciduous, hardy shrub loses its leaves in autumn. It will thrive when planted in rich, deep soil that remains moist in summer to support flowering.

With its extraordinary fragrance and uncommon generosity, Rosa Paul Ricard will be wonderful in a large rose bed, at the front of a shrub bed, or as a solitary specimen in a well-tended small garden. The tender colour of its flowers easily complements all pastel blooms, especially in the range of blues and mauves. Consider planting it with easy-to-grow plants such as perennial geraniums (Geranium 'Blue Cloud', G. 'Anne Folkard', G. 'Nimbus', G. 'Orion'), campanulas (lactiflora, rapunculoides), catmints, perennial salvias, and foxgloves. Dwarf buddleias also make lovely companions for bush roses. The roses can be used to create romantic bouquets that delicately perfume the house.