Rose Alexandrine

Romantic, pale ochre-pink hybrid tea rose with lush 65-petal quartered blooms, a delicate May-rose fragrance, excellent disease resistance and strong remontancy. It is ideal for containers, mixed borders or scented bouquets.

FLOWERING

‘Alexandrine’ bears large, quartered blooms measuring to about 11 cm (4 in) in diameter on average, each containing around 65 petals that form a high-centered rosette gradually opening to a charming old‑fashioned bloom. The colour transitions begin with apricot‑ochre at the centre fading to soft pink at the petal edges, creating a gentle bi‑tonal gradient reminiscent of classic nostalgia roses. Sepals reflex smoothly as the bloom matures, revealing slightly notched margins that enhance its romantic silhouette.

The fragrance is a refined May‑rose scent - light yet perceptible - occasionally described as floral‑fruity, with a fragrant intensity that suits the scented garden or vase. While specific volatile profiles are unpublished, gardeners note the presence of citral and geraniol terpene notes typical of Meilland's Romantica series.

Blooming is frequent and repeating, delivering flushes from June to October when deadheaded regularly. On‑bush blooms persist well - pendulous petals resist browning in mild rain - and harvested stems hold form and scent for 7 - 10 days in water. It has not been trialled at ADR or AARS, but it garnered acclaim at Orleans 2014, winning both the Best Large Flower and Perfume Award, and received the La Tacita Perfume Prize.

PLANT

Classified as a modern Hybrid Tea rose, ‘Alexandrine’ forms a compact, bushy, upright shrub 60 - 90 cm (24 - 35 in) tall and 50 - 60 cm (20 - 24 in) wide. The rose forms part of the Romantica series, combining nostalgic bloom form with modern disease resistance.

Canes are strong and moderately armed with prickles. New shoots exhibit fresh green stems with medium-density prickles. Foliage is glossy, dark green with strong resistance to black spot and mildew - an observed feature via trial plantings and nursery records. The number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves is typically 5, including the terminal leaflet. The edges of the leaflets are serrated, the type of serration is single and medium-sized.

Rose variety ‘Alexandrine’ thrives in full sun to partial shade, and handles well-drained, fertile soils with regular moisture. In very hot climates preferably to plant it in partial shade as its exquisite petals may get burned under intense scorching sun. Pruning follows the standard hybrid tea method - early spring shaping, removing weak wood, leaving 4 - 6 strong canes, followed by periodic deadheading to improve repeat bloom.

This rose due to its compact and attractive growth habit will look perfect in container planting, mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as specimen plants. It is visually compelling en masse - planting 3 - 5 plants per m² creates romantic thickets. Ideal companions include lavender, geraniums, Salvia nemorosa, and low Asters to echo its pastel palette.

This rose is quite healthy and IPM strategies include air circulation, regular leaf removal, and avoiding overhead watering; chemical sprays are seldom needed due to its disease resilience.

Winter hardiness reaches approximately USDA 6a (–23 °C) and requires winter protection in more colder climates.

‘Alexandrine’ honors the eponymous princess, rooted in historical homage. The creation commemorates Princess Alexandrine of Prussia (1803–1892), with the original display marking her bicentennial in 2009.

‘Belle Romantica’ emphasises the rose’s romantic aesthetic (“beautiful romantic”) and aligns with Meilland’s scented ‘Romantica’ series.

Romantica

Orleans Perfume Award, France, 2014;

Best Large Flower Award, Orleans, France, 2014;

La Tacita Perfume Prize, Spain/France event, 2014;

Baden b. Wien/Vienna 1st Prize, Baden b. Wien Rose Trials, 2017;

Warsaw Silver Medal, Warsaw Rose Trials, 2021;

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Parentage remains undisclosed by Meilland. The breeder, Meilland International SA (France), hybridized this rose before 2009, introduced in 2009.

USDA 6