Rosa floribunda Mel Bee® - Floribunda Rose

The Mel Bee Cluster-Flowered Rose stands out for its large clusters in shades of pink that renew themselves throughout the summer until the frosts. Its single corollas, whose nectar is accessible, mean it is classified among roses for "pollinators". It is disease-resistant and requires little maintenance. This moderately sized bush can be used in beds or high borders and can also be grown in a large container on a terrace.

The Mel Bee® rose was selected in Belgium at Melle and has been marketed since 2009; presented by specialised Belgian nurserymen, this cultivar has received several awards in international competitions during the years 2016–2022. It was awarded in Kortrijk (gold medal in 2016), in The Hague (first-class certificate in 2020) and at the International Bagatelle Competition in Paris (first prize in 2022). The term "Mel" refers to the municipality of Melle, and "Bee" emphasises the honey-producing character of its flowers.
Its habit is bushy, well-branched from the base, and its growth is rapid. In open ground, the bush reaches between 0.80 m and 1.10 m for a spread of 60 to 80 cm. In a large container (40–50 cm in diameter), expect 60 to 80 cm in height, with tighter branching.
The flowering repeats from June to October, in large dense panicles of dozens of flowers. The corollas are small to medium (4 to 6 cm in diameter), single to semi-double, of a bright pink fading at maturity, with visible stamens that provide nectar and pollen; their scent is light. If the faded flowers are not removed, this rose can produce small decorative hips. The medium green and glossy deciduous foliage shows good resistance to powdery mildew and downy mildew when the plant is in a well-ventilated position. The stems, which arch slightly under the weight of the clusters, bear medium-sized thorns.

Planting this Mel Bee® rose is also adopting a somewhat ecological approach, useful for pollinating insects without using chemicals. This rose adapts to a wide range of soils and climates. It can be planted along a path, on a large slope, or in groups of 3 in the centre of a bed, and even at the back of a border. Its simplicity pairs well with that of unpretentious perennials like campanulas, nepetas, herbaceous perennial sages and rose campions, for example. In a rose bed, it can be paired with other bee-friendly varieties like 'Nevada', 'Golden Wings', 'Schubert' or 'Queen of the Musks'.