From the Rose Garden…
Francis Meilland Rose, MeItroni
Even two hurricanes can’t keep a good rose down.
The Francis Meilland Rose recovered nicely from this fall’s harsh weather and has produced an outstanding final display for the year. This hybrid tea rose has large, high-centered blooms of soft, shell pink that give off an old rose fragrance. The very large, full blooms have 37 petals and are 5” in diameter on average. It produces a nice cut flower and is known for disease resistance. While the rose catalogues claim the Francis Meilland will grow two feet wide and four feet tall our garden’s specimen has canes reaching much taller.
The rose is named for the legendary French rose breeder, Francis Meilland (1912-1958), whose family established an international rose growing business in the mid- 19th century. He is noted for breeding the celebrated ‘Peace’ rose in the years 1935 to 1939. When he foresaw the German invasion of France he sent cuttings to friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States to protect the new rose. It is said, that it was sent to the US on the last plane available before the German invasion, where it was safely propagated during the war.
We have both of these roses on display. Here are two recent pictures of the Francis Meilland. When time permits, come enjoy this beautiful last show of the season.
Anne Coleman, Rose Garden Chair 2018
More about Roses in Zone 8 here.
