Rosa Coral Drift - Groundcover Rose

The Coral Drift® Groundcover Rose is an ultra-compact ground cover rose, prized for its continuous flowering and ease of cultivation. It belongs to the Drift® series by Meilland Richardier, a renowned range known for its floriferous and hardy varieties. This dense, ramified small bush produces an abundance of semi-double flowers of 6 cm in diameter in a vivid coral-pink with a slight orange hue, which beautifully contrast with its glossy green foliage. Its low, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, slopes, and containers, where it adds a splash of vibrant colour from spring until the first frosts.

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, the Coral Drift® 'Meidrifora' Rose is a modern variety developed by Meilland in 2009 to combine compact growth with abundant flowering. It forms a rounded, trailing bush reaching 40 to 50 cm in height and 30 to 40 cm in width, making it the smallest of the Drift® roses. Its short, highly ramified stems enable it to rapidly become covered in flowers, creating a lush, dense effect in no time. The rich, coral-pink blooms with a slight orange tint open into wide cups, revealing golden stamens that attract pollinating insects. This flowering begins in spring and renews in successive waves until the first frosts, almost entirely covering the foliage. Unlike other groundcover roses, the Coral Drift® does not produce long trailing stems but remains well-structured, with a uniform habit and dense foliage. Its fine, bright, green deciduous leaves stay in perfect condition throughout the season thanks to its natural disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew and black spot. This hardiness makes it an ideal choice for gardens without the need for any chemical treatments. Very hardy, it can withstand temperatures down to -20°C, enabling it to thrive in many regions including those with harsh winters.

Very easy to grow, the Coral Drift® thrives in any well-drained soil, whether light, sandy, ordinary, slightly alkaline, or humus-bearing. It prefers a sunny position but also tolerates light shade in summer. Light pruning in late winter during the first two years will encourage flowering and maintain its balanced habit. Thanks to its low-maintenance nature, it is perfect for gardeners seeking a decorative plant without fuss. With its luminous coral colour, it will easily fit in many types of landscape designs. In beds, it pairs beautifully with hardy geraniums (‘Rozanne’, ‘Orion’), catmints, or perovskias, creating an elegant contrast. Along a hedge border, it adds a bright touch and can be planted alongside pastel shrub roses or small evergreen bushes like spindle trees or lavenders. In a more natural setting, it complements light grasses, spurges, or yarrows. In pots on a patio, it forms a small flowering dome, ideal for sunny balconies. Thanks to its controlled growth, it can also be used to line a pathway or stabilise a small slope, creating a trailing effect.