NICCOLO PAGANINI ® – deep red bedding floribunda rose - Meilland
If You dream of an Irish cottage-style border with dependable colour through damp summers and rainfall-kissed evenings, NICCOLO PAGANINI ® offers an easy, own‑root way to add velvety drama without fussy care. This compact, bushy floribunda carries clusters of deep red blooms all season, reliably repeating so Your beds never look bare. Glossy mid‑green foliage stays neat, helping the plant hold its shape in small front gardens and narrow Dublin terraces. Grown on its own roots, it builds strength year by year for a long garden life with steady ornamental value. Think of it as a patient investment: first year for roots, second for shoots, third for full presence and abundant flowering, bringing a sense of cheerful contentment every time You step outside.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Front garden bedding strip along a path |
Its compact 65–95 cm height and 40–60 cm spread make a tidy, uniform line that never overwhelms a narrow Irish front garden. Deep red clusters show clearly from the pavement, even on overcast days, with only moderate deadheading needed for neatness – ideal for the busy homeowner. |
| Mass planting in a cottage-style flower bed |
Recommended 40 cm spacing and 6,3–7,2 plants per m² let You quickly create a richly coloured “girly” cottage border. The remontant flowering keeps beds lively through Ireland’s short summer, and own‑root plants gradually thicken for long-term structure that suits the relaxed hobby-gardener. |
| Low flowering hedge along a driveway or boundary |
Planted at 35 cm for hedging, NICCOLO PAGANINI ® forms a low, bushy barrier with glossy foliage and repeat blooms, softening hard kerbs and walls. Moderate disease resistance copes respectably in humid, fungal-prone sites when combined with decent airflow – reassuring for the newer gardener. |
| Statement specimen in a small lawn or gravel area |
At around 80 cm in flower with cupped, velvety blossoms, a single plant on 60 cm spacing becomes an eye-catching focal point without dominating a modest family garden. The subtly spicy fragrance rewards those short, contemplative garden walks – perfect for the fragrance‑seeking urbanite. |
| Large container on a sunny patio or balcony |
In a 40–50 litre pot with good drainage, its bushy habit and moderate drought tolerance give steady colour on exposed patios. It tolerates coastal sun and wind when watered regularly, making it practical for Irish balconies that crave romance but offer little soil – a fine fit for the time‑pressed city-dweller. |
| Mixed deep-red and white themed border |
The rich, colourfast deep red holds well in strong sun, pairing beautifully with white perennials like Gypsophila and Liatris for a classic romantic palette. Uniform flower size and clusters make border design predictable and repeatable – helpful for the style-conscious planner. |
| Long-term structural planting in family gardens |
Own‑root plants recover better from winter knocks or accidental damage, gradually forming a dense, bushy framework that endures for many seasons. This slow, steady build suits long-term garden plans, giving parents a reliable backdrop as children grow – appreciated by the forward‑thinking family. |
| Urban green space or shared front garden scheme |
With good heat tolerance and moderate disease resistance, it suits sunny, sheltered townhouse schemes where reflected warmth and humidity can be issues, complementing the often breezy, rain-washed Irish streetscape in a resilient way. Low, uniform beds simplify upkeep for the collective‑minded neighbour. |
Styling ideas
- Cottage-Romance Ribbon – Plant a wavy ribbon of NICCOLO PAGANINI ® along a gravel path, weaving between soft pinks and baby’s-breath for a storybook cottage entrance – for nostalgic front‑garden dreamers.
- Deep-Red Contrast – Combine with white Liatris spicata 'Alba' and airy grasses to highlight the velvety blooms and glossy foliage in a simple, low‑care scheme – for design‑curious beginners.
- Terrace-Focus Pot – Place one plant in a 50 litre clay pot by the front door, underplanted with trailing thyme to frame the deep red flowers – for busy city dwellers who want instant impact.
- Family-Play Border – Edge a lawn with a single row, backing it with taller, bee‑friendly perennials so children see flowers up close without dense thorny hedges – for practical family gardeners.
- Evening-Mood Corner – Cluster three plants near a favourite chair where the subtly spicy scent and dark blooms glow against pale gravel or light paving – for evening tea and book lovers.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Floribunda bedding rose, registered as MEIcairma, marketed as NICCOLO PAGANINI ®. ARS exhibition name Niccolo Paganini. Name honours Italian violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Alain Meilland, Meilland International, France, from MEIjulita × (MEIdanu × Uncle Walter). Introduced and registered in 1990 as a premium bedding floribunda rose. |
| Awards and recognition |
Highly decorated in Lyon in 1990: Gold Medal, Plus Belle Rose de France, and Medal of the Great Rose of the Century, reflecting strong ornamental and garden performance. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Bushy, compact shrub reaching around 65–95 cm in height with 40–60 cm spread. Dense, glossy mid‑green foliage, moderately thorny stems, forming uniform bedding or low hedging structures. |
| Flower morphology |
Medium-sized, 4–7 cm double blooms with 26–39 petals. Cupped form with a pronounced, medium-height centre. Produced in clusters, repeating freely through the season with moderate self-cleaning. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Dark, velvety deep red flowers, ARS code dr, RHS 187A–187B. Buds dark burgundy with blackish tint, opening to intense red, then deepening slightly in strong sun while retaining good colour stability. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Subtly scented with a mild, gently spicy rose character. Not overpowering near seating or windows, but noticeable at close range during warm, still weather, adding refinement without dominating the space. |
| Hip characteristics |
Hip set is usually sparse due to very double blooms. When present, hips are small, spherical, orange-red, about 8–12 mm in diameter, adding occasional seasonal interest without significant seeding. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to approximately -21 to -18 °C (USDA 6b, RHS H7, Swedish zone 3). Moderate resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust; tolerates heat and regular, moderate drought when watered properly. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in full sun with well-drained soil, especially on heavier Irish clays. Space 35–60 cm depending on use. Medium maintenance; occasional plant protection and deadheading improve repeat flowering and vigour. |
NICCOLO PAGANINI ® offers long-season deep red flowering, compact easy-care growth and resilient own-root longevity, making it a thoughtful choice if You seek lasting character with modest effort.
