Rosa Bonica

The 'Bonica' Rose is one of Meilland's most beautiful creations, it is a landscape rose that can withstand anything but remains little known to amateur gardeners despite its many qualities. This disease-resistant bush can withstand harsh winters and hot summers, delivering a long and wonderful flowering period, romantically beautiful, that only ends with the first frost: its vegetation almost disappears under bunches of small flowers in a delicate pink, opening in the old-fashioned way and rivaling the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms.  This living bouquet deserves a small place in a flower bed, at the corner of a path, in a low hedge, on a slope. or anywhere. In the countryside or in the city, it will not disappoint!

The Rosa 'Bonica', sometimes marketed as 'Demon', belongs to the group of polyantha roses: its flowers, gathered in terminal clusters, come from the polyantha rose, an ancient hybrid derived from Rosa multiflora and Rosa chinensis. It was introduced in 1982 by Meilland, following the hybridisation carried out by Jacques Mouchotte in 1981. Mouchotte used the offspring of the cross between Rosa sempervirens and the rose 'Mademoiselle Marthe Carron', which he then crossed with the variety 'Picasso'. Among the many distinctions this variety has won, we can mention the ADR label in 1982, the American AARS in 1986, and the title of 'World's Favorite Rose' awarded by the WFRS Convention in 2003.

'Bonica' has a flexible, compact, and well-branched bushy habit. Its growth is rapid, reaching an average height of 80 cm (32in) with a spread of 60-70 cm (24-28in). If pruned short, this bush behaves like a small polyantha rose. Its flowering is abundant and continuous from June until the first frost. Its flowers are gathered in small clusters. They are double, delicately campanulate when they bloom, then open into wide rosettes measuring 5-6 cm (2in). They open from candy pink buds and unfold in a charming gradient of pink, eventually turning white-pink. A pearly pink colour that withstands rain and sun despite its delicacy. The scent of the roses is light but present near the bush due to their abundance. The fruiting, in the form of red-orange hips, is quite decorative.

The 'Bonica' rose adapts to all soils that are not too dry and all temperate climates, making it a welcome addition from the north to the south of our continent. It can be planted in groups of 3 plants, arranged in a triangle, or as a standalone on a lawn. It will work wonders when planted en masse along pathways or to highlight shrub borders. It will blend perfectly into beds of light or opulent perennials. For example, it can be associated with perennial geraniums, bellflowers, catmints, snapdragons, or stachys. Left to grow freely, its slightly blurred habit will be delightfully romantic in front of a flower bed composed of abelias, kolkwitzia, lilacs, or mock oranges. It will cheerfully fill a large pot on the terrace, balcony, or a flower-filled basin.

Obtained by J Mouchotte (France) 1981. 

The ADR is the label of the German Rose Breeders Association. The ADR designation is only given to varieties that have passed the strictest tests in the world. The plants are tested simultaneously at 10 different locations, in various soil and climate conditions for several years. The tests focus on hardiness, perennial nature, and flowering without the use of any pesticides.