shrub

Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose

Rosa 'Meisentmil'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid tea roses are upright, thorny shrubs known for producing large, shapely flowers, one per long stem. They are the classic florist's rose, valued for cutting and exhibition.

'Meisentmil', sold as Francis Meilland, is an award-winning hybrid tea celebrated for its very large, high-centered, shell-pink blooms and an exceptionally powerful fruity fragrance. It also boasts excellent disease resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

The Francis Meilland rose provides classic, elegant beauty with its large, perfectly formed pink blossoms. Its powerful fragrance makes it a sensory delight in any garden setting.

As a premier cutting rose, it provides an abundance of long-stemmed flowers for indoor arrangements from late spring until the first frost.

The open flowers attract various pollinators, including bees, which are essential for a healthy garden ecosystem.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but thorns are a hazard

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Prepare a hole 18 inches wide and deep, amending with compost.
For bare-root, create a mound in the hole and spread roots over it.
Position the bud union at or just above soil level (colder/warmer climates).
Backfill with amended soil, water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant bare-root roses in early spring while dormant for best establishment. Soak roots for several hours before planting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, aiming for 1-2 inches per week.
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

Don't

Do not plant in a shady or waterlogged location.
Avoid overhead watering, which promotes fungal diseases.
Do not allow fertilizer to touch the canes.
Avoid crowding plants; give them space to breathe.
Do not prune heavily in the fall in cold climates.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exquisite cutting garden specimenFragrant accent in mixed bordersFormal rose garden centerpiece

Companion Plants

Lavandula 'Hidcote'Nepeta 'Walker's Low'Salvia 'May Night'Clematis Allium 'Globemaster'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose questions

What zones can Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose grow in?

Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose bloom?

Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose typically blooms in late spring through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose need full sun?

Meisentmil Francis Meilland Rose does best in full sun (6+ hours).