The Papa Meilland Rose is one of the best known fragrant roses, famous both for the flower as well being named by Allain Meilland after his grandfather Antoine.
One of the real attractions of Papa Meilland is the fragrance. If you are looking for roses as a symbol of love, red is the best colour, however, an exceptionally fragrant red rose is even better.
The fragrance is so good it had been recreated as a perfume……
This is a Hybrid Tea Bush Rose, strongly perfumed with deep red velvety flowers. We love it for fragrance that fills the garden on a warm spring day, as well as the lovely flowers.
Care and growing Conditions.
Position
Full sun is important as with most roses. Too little sun will result in leggy growth and poor flowering. An open position with good air flow is also important especially in more humid climates.
Soil
A humus rich well drained soil is best. Poor drainage can quickly cause root problems.
Watering
Once established Papa Meilland is a relatively drought tolerant rose. It does grow best in a moist soil, however we recommend a wet/dry cycle. Water well, allow the soil to dry a little before watering again.
Fertiliser
Fertilize regularly with a specialist rose food for best results, although we do know a gentleman who has been growing this rose for many years who uses pelletised poultry manure in late winter, masses of flowers.
How to Plant Your Papa Meilland Rose
- First select your rose, as Papa Meilland is generally available as a bush rose as well as a standard rose and sometimes sold as a climbing rose.
- We feel it is better as a bush rose, as a standard it can be a little to vigorous.
- Prepare the soil well before planting by digging in some well rotted compost and aged animal manure, do this a few weeks before planting.
- We suggest placing a stake in the ground for support before planting the rose.
- Plant at the same depth as it was in the pot. Back fill and water in well with a liquid seaweed fertilizer. Bare rooted plants need to be planted carefully at a depth they would have been originally.
A rose that will go down in history, it was bred in 1963 and commemorates one of the worlds great rose breeders, in 1988 was rightly was inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame and won the gold medal in many rose shows including the famous Baden-Baden Rose trials. And yes was originally named ‘Meicesar’.
If you could find Papa Meilland roses in a florists shop then you would have the ultimate valentines day , birthday or just plain ‘I Love You’ rose. However, as most florists roses are bred for colour and the ‘long lasting’ look, fragrance can be lacking.
Papa Meilland Rose is a fairly easy rose to grow in Australian conditions, in fact easier than in the UK and much of Europe. Other than some protection from mildew in cooler climates no special treatment is required.
What other Roses are good for Perfume
- Mister Lincoln – Easier to grow, strong fragrance
- Oklahoma
- Chrysler Imperial, which is one of the parents of each of these roses….
- Madame Isaac Pereire
- Charles Mallerin – Deep red and strong fragrance.
- Where to buy roses online