Rosa x polyantha Scarlet Bonica

The Scarlet Bonica® Shrub Rose combines classic elegance with modern robustness. Its intense scarlet red double flowers evoke the charm of old-fashioned roses while its spreading, ground-covering habit makes it an excellent ground cover. Its long flowering period from spring until the first frosts effortlessly brightens flower beds and borders. Awarded for its exceptional disease resistance, this prize-winning rose appeals to both amateur gardeners and demanding enthusiasts alike.

The Scarlet Bonica® 'Meiscarlebo' rose developed by Alain Meilland was introduced in 2016 and is part of the new generation of landscape roses. This variety belongs to the floribundus group characterised by its successive clusters of flowers from spring to autumn. It forms a compact bush reaching 50 to 70 cm in height and spread. Its sturdy, thorny branches support glossy, particularly aesthetic dark green foliage with young shoots tinged bronze-red. This deciduous foliage falls in winter before regrowing vigorously in spring. The flowering is long-lasting, beginning as early as May-June and continuing until the first winter frosts. Measuring approximately 8 cm in diameter, the double flowers consist of around 60 petals arranged in light quartered blooms, reminiscent of old-fashioned roses. Their scarlet-red hue slightly nuanced with bright vermilion remains stable regardless of climatic conditions. The clusters of 2 to 5 flowers make for lovely cut flowers. Beyond its refined aesthetics, this rose demonstrates great disease resistance, requiring no phytosanitary treatment. 'Scarlet Bonica®' is a modern evolution of 'Bonica 82', an iconic rose bred by the Meilland house in 1982, which was voted "World's Favourite Rose" in 2003. This new variety perpetuates the legacy of robustness and floribundity while offering a striking red colour. This exceptional rose has been awarded several prestigious prizes including the Gold Medal in Monza (Italy, 2015), the Public Parks and Gardens Association's Award in Barcelona (Spain, 2015), the Silver Medal in Roeulx (Belgium, 2015), as well as the 1st Landscape Prize in Nantes in 2016. It has also been distinguished in Scotland and the United States for its environmental qualities and durability.

The Scarlet Bonica® 'Meiscarlebo' rose will harmoniously blend with structured flowerbeds or cottage-style borders. Its bright scarlet red creates a strong visual anchor enhanced by contrasting foliage. For a refined combination, it will pair beautifully with a delicate Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ whose violet-blue spikes will add a vertical and structured dimension. Alongside it, an Achillea millefolium ‘Terracotta’ will introduce a touch of copper and apricot, softening the intensity of its flowers while extending the warm effect of the display. It will also adapt perfectly to a large pot on a patio where its brilliance will lights up a paved area, accompanied by a Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ and some Perovskias for an elegant and timeless Mediterranean feel.