Rose Gloria Dei

Has graceful buds that open into a large, high-centered cup-shaped flowers with a prominent center and an average diameter of 15 cm (5.9 in). The color of these blooms is a delightful blend of pale yellow with crimson edges, though this hue may vary depending on factors like location and weather, gradually changing as the flower matures. These flowers are known for their sturdiness and abundance, ussualy have 40 to 43 petals. Additionally, they exude sweet fragrance with notes of tea and fruits, the aroma intensity varies from moderate to strong. Blooms continuously throughout the season until the first frosts.

This robust shrub reaches the height of 120 to 200 cm (4 to 6+1⁄2 ft) and 90 to 125 cm (2 ft 11 in to 4 ft 1 in) in width. It is quite winter hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as −23 °C or −9 °F (USDA zone 6). Furthermore, it tolerates partial shade and displays a commendable resistance to diseases. The large, glossy leaves are of a deep, dark color and possess a leathery texture. This variety is incredibly versatile, serving both as a cut rose and a garden rose, either alone or in groups. It can also be cultivated as a standard rose, reaching a height of 90 cm (3.0 ft), or be grown in containers, making it a highly adaptable and appealing choice for various floral arrangements and settings.

Due to the timing of Meilland sending out the rose cuttings just before the war, there was a lack of communication among the cultivators, resulting in the rose being given various names. In France, Francis and Alain Meilland made the decision to name the cultivar 'Madame A. Meilland' as a tribute to Francis' late mother, Claudia, who was Antoine Meilland's wife. In Italy it was called Gioia (Italian for "joy"), in Germany Gloria Dei (Latin for "glory of God") and in the US, Sweden, and Norway Peace.

'Mme A. Meilland' has received multiple awards, beginning with its recognition as the Most Beautiful French Rose in Lyon in 1942. It has been honored with gold medals in various competitions, including those held in Lyon (1942), Portland (1944), and The Hague (1965), along with an award from the Royal National Rose Society in 1947.

In 1976, 'Mme A. Meilland' recieved the title of World's Favorite Rose and included to the Rose Hall of Fame.

The cultivar was hybridized in 1935, receiving the number 3-35-40 (the third hybridization in 1935, and the 40th cultivar selected for test proliferation). As those first tests produced beautiful flowers in autumn of 1936, the first no. 3-35-40 were grown in Meilland's rose fields in June 1939. Meilland's records unnamed rose taken for seeding was a cross between [ George Dickson × Souvenir de Claudius Pernet] × [ Joanna Hill × Charles P. Kilham] and pollen was taken from Margaret McGredy.

USDA zone 6