MONA LISA® – scarlet bedding floribunda rose
In a compact family garden where borders meet vegetable beds and play areas, MONA LISA® settles in as a quietly dependable presence, its scarlet rosettes creating a relaxed, afternoon-tea ambience. Bred by Meilland for long-term garden reliability, this bushy, mid-height floribunda forms a dense, leafy structure that copes steadily with typical British summers, even where brisk winds and passing showers bring changeable coastal-style weather. Clustered, very double blooms appear in generous flushes from early summer, followed by an abundant second flowering, giving rich, romantic colour through the main season with minimal effort. Supplied as a young, own-root shrub in the pharmaROSA® ORIGINAL 2-litre container, it is simple to plant at almost any time the soil is workable, and it settles quickly into beds, low hedging or a large 40–50 litre patio pot. The own-root form underpins a naturally long lifespan, steady regeneration after winter or pruning mishaps, and a calm development arc in which roots establish first, then top growth follows, before full ornamental impact is reached over the first three seasons.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Front to mid border in a family cottage-style garden |
The bushy, 55–80 cm habit and dense foliage make MONA LISA® ideal for neat front and mid borders, edging paths or framing a small lawn, giving rich colour without overwhelming nearby perennials – well suited to the time-poor homeowner. |
| Small rose hedge along paths or vegetable plots |
Its compact spread and recommended close planting distances allow you to form a low, traditional hedge that visually separates kitchen garden rows or play areas while remaining easy to trim and manage – attractive for the practical family-buyer. |
| Season-long colour focus in mixed cottage beds |
Abundant first and second flushes of vivid scarlet, rosette-shaped blooms provide reliable, repeat colour, weaving a romantic thread through herbaceous borders from summer onwards, even when you have little time for deadheading – appealing to the relaxed hobby-gardener. |
| Containers and large patio pots (40–50 litres and above) |
The moderate height and bushy outline suit generous containers where roots can remain cool and moist; in a 40–50 litre pot, watering is straightforward and the plant anchors well, lending cottage charm to small terraces for the busy urban-gardener. |
| Partially shaded corners and north-east aspects |
This variety tolerates partial shade, so it will still flower and hold its rich colour where morning or dappled sun is the norm, making awkward side returns or corners feel softer and more welcoming for the style-conscious beginner. |
| Sites with changeable rain and wind exposure |
MONA LISA® has proved steady in regions with frequent showers and breezes, making it reassuring for gardens that regularly face blustery, rain-laden weather, especially when combined with simple mulching and drainage for the cautious planner. |
| Low-maintenance romantic planting schemes |
Medium disease resistance, moderate care needs and own-root resilience mean routine pruning and occasional protection are usually enough to keep the plant attractive, supporting a soft, storybook look without complex routines for the time-limited gardener. |
| Long-term structural planting in small to medium plots |
The own-root form helps the shrub recover from hard pruning or winter damage and maintain its shape over many years, so you can treat it as a long-lived component of the garden framework, reassuring the investment-minded rose-lover. |
Styling ideas
- Kitchen-border hedge – Plant MONA LISA® in a low, clipped row between vegetable beds, softening productive areas with romantic colour – ideal for families who like an ordered yet charming garden.
- Patio focal pot – Use a single plant in a 40–50 litre terracotta container, underplanted with dwarf yarrow for a relaxed, cottage look – perfect for busy urban owners with limited flowerbed space.
- Scarlet drift – Mass-plant in a curved bed with marigolds along the edge to create a warm, glowing ribbon of red and gold – suited to homeowners wanting maximum impact from simple planting.
- Soft rose mix – Combine with blue verbena and airy grasses in a mixed border, letting the scarlet rosettes punctuate cooler tones – appealing to cottage-garden enthusiasts seeking a gentle, painterly composition.
- Front-door welcome – Flank an entrance path with short rows of MONA LISA®, keeping them lightly pruned for tidy outlines – a good option for beginners who want a traditional, inviting approach.
Technical cultivar profile
| Aspect |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Floribunda bed rose from the Romantica® collection; registered as MEIlyxir, marketed under the trade name MONA LISA® Romantica®, exhibition name Mona Lisa. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Michèle Meilland Richardier for Meilland International SA, France; introduced and registered in 2003, with parentage not publicly documented. |
| Awards and recognition |
Bronze medal at Monza International Rose Competition 2003; ADR certification in Germany 2004; SNHF Grand Prix de la Rose, first prize in 2011 for garden performance. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Compact, bushy shrub 55–80 cm tall and 40–55 cm wide, with dense, mid-green, slightly glossy foliage and moderate prickliness; suitable for beds, borders and low hedging. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, very double, rosette-shaped blooms with over 40 petals, carried mainly in clusters; remontant with a strong second flush, providing generous repeat flowering in season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Vivid scarlet-red flowers (RHS 46A outer, 45A inner) with glossy petals; colour deepens slightly in cooler weather and may lighten modestly in heat while maintaining overall good colour retention. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Classic rose-type scent of very weak intensity, generally perceived as only faintly detectable; selected primarily for visual effect rather than notable fragrance in garden settings. |
| Hip characteristics |
Rose-hip formation is usually sparse due to very double blooms; when present, hips are small, spherical, red and approximately 6–9 mm in diameter, with limited ornamental significance. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Medium resistance to black spot, powdery mildew and rust; hardy to approximately −26 to −23 °C (RHS H7, USDA 5b, Swedish zone 4) with routine care and balanced watering. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering in hot spells; suitable for beds, borders, containers and specimens, with moderate maintenance and occasional plant protection as needed. |
MONA LISA® offers compact structure, generous repeat flowering and reassuring long-term resilience in an own-root form that rewards patient planting with lasting colour, making it a thoughtful choice for a romantic, low-fuss garden.
