Rosa 'Eddy Mitchell' - Standard Rose

The 'Eddy Mitchell' Standard Rose forms a unique small tree that doesn't go unnoticed. It showcases the most Rock'n Roll of all modern large-flowered roses from Meilland. Like the artist's lively melodies, its large flower with a completely unprecedented colour is rhythmical. Two-tone, they display velvety petals of an almost black-purple on the front, forming a superb contrast with a golden-yellow reverse. This continuous-flowering standard rose will charm collectors. It deserves a solitary place in the garden, and its flowers are sensational in bouquets.

Standard roses are created by grafting a variety (such as the Eddy Mitchell bush) onto a single, well-vertical stem of a different rose (like Rosa canina, R. laxa or R. multiflora) at the top. In regions with very cold temperatures, protecting the rootstock during the winter may be necessary.

'Eddy Mitchell' or 'Meirysett' is a modern large-flowered bush rose obtained by Meilland in 2010. This variety is derived, among others, from the excellent Madame A. Meilland. Grafted onto a standard, it has a characteristic habit and will reach approximately 1.70m (6ft) in height with an 80-90cm (32-35in) spread at the neck. It produces sturdy and thorny branches that bear very dark green foliage and are highly resistant to diseases. If faded flowers are removed from May to October, the plant continuously produces large 10-12cm (4-5in) diameter flowers with a typical turbinate shape of hybrid tea roses. They are composed of approximately 27 petals with a bordered edge. Their surprising colour is not aggressive: a velvety greyish purple with black reflections, they are doubled with cream yellow suffused with pink and apricot at full bloom. The flowers are solitary, borne at the end of long shoots from the current year or emerging from 2-year-old stems. A light fragrance accompanies the continuous flowering. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn and reappears in spring.

This 'Eddy Mitchell' Standard Rose will find its place in the centre of a large rose bed, alone in a well-tended garden, in a row along a pathway, or even in a container on the terrace. Delicate and wildflowers like chamomiles, white nigella, or Cuphea hyssopifolia can add an airy touch to this small tree and certain grasses like feathered barley or Sipa pennata. Purple foliage heucheras also provide a beautiful setting for its roses, as do lavender and catmints. Its cut flowers, with good longevity and a slight fragrance, are naturally perfect for bouquets.