EDDY MITCHELL® – burgundy-yellow quilled-petal hybrid tea rose - Meilland
This striking hybrid tea rose turns an ordinary seating area into a cosy, storybook corner, its velvety blooms bringing a touch of theatre to even modest family gardens. Large, high‑centred flowers in maroon and gold lend instant drama to cottage borders, while the upright, compact habit keeps paths and play areas neat. As an own‑root plant it offers reassuring longevity, quietly rebuilding from the base if winter, pets or pruning are a little unkind, and settling deeper each year for dependable stability. In its first seasons you see strong roots, then fuller shoots, and by the third year a truly rich display of colour and cut stems to enjoy indoors. Planted in sun with sensible watering and drainage, it copes well with blustery, rainy spells near the coast and damp, disease‑prone air, giving you sumptuous flowers with relatively modest upkeep. Ideal in flowerbeds, large pots of 40–50 litres or as a single centrepiece, it suits beginners who want impact without fuss and experienced gardeners seeking a charismatic statement rose.
Usage options
| Target area | Reasoning |
|---|
| Feature rose for small front gardens |
The upright, medium‑tall habit and large, exhibition‑style blooms create an instant focal point without swallowing a modest space, giving you a smart, welcoming entrance that looks considered rather than overdone – ideal for the busy homeowner. |
| Cutting patch near the kitchen door |
High‑centred, long‑stemmed flowers repeat well through the season, so you can cut armfuls for vases while the plant continues to produce fresh buds, bringing its bicolour drama indoors again and again – perfect for the home entertainer. |
| Romantic cottage‑style mixed border |
The strong bicolour effect of velvety burgundy with golden‑yellow reverses reads beautifully among soft perennials, giving that storybook, “afternoon tea” look without needing complex combinations or advanced planning – reassuring for the cottage‑garden lover. |
| Sunny patio in a large container (40–50 L) |
Its upright framework and repeat flowering suit a generous pot, where roots remain organised and the display is easy to enjoy from a chair; own‑root growth builds up gradually, rewarding patient care with long service – attractive for the balcony and patio gardener. |
| Family garden seating area or arbour |
Planted by a bench or simple arch, the succession of richly coloured blooms and gentle scent creates a cosy nook that feels special without demanding specialist pruning knowledge or constant grooming – ideal for the relaxation‑seeking family. |
| Beds in exposed, breezy sites |
Once established, the sturdy, own‑root framework anchors the plant well and, with sensible watering and drainage, it continues to flower reliably even in breezy, rain‑washed gardens where fungal problems can be common – helpful for the coastal gardener. |
| Heat‑catching south‑ or west‑facing borders |
The variety tolerates heat well and holds its dark colour with only slight fading, so borders that soak up sun stay rich and moody rather than washed‑out, with blooms that keep their drama through warm spells – reassuring for the sunny‑plot owner. |
| Long‑term structure in a traditional rose bed |
As an own‑root shrub it matures steadily, building a dense, leafy framework that can be rejuvenated from low down if needed, supporting a long working life with consistent flowers and form for many seasons – ideal for the long‑view gardener. |
Styling ideas
- Patio Theatre – Grow in a 50‑litre terracotta pot by French doors, underplanting with trailing thyme to soften the rim – for urban owners wanting maximum drama from a single rose.
- Cottage Ribbon – Repeat‑plant along a path, interspersed with lavender and catmint to frame the burgundy‑gold blooms – for those dreaming of an English cottage walk‑through.
- Kitchen Vases – Dedicate a small row in the kitchen garden to this rose, edging with chives and calendulas – for home cooks who love cutting fresh flowers with their herbs.
- Storybook Arbour – Flank a simple wooden bench or arbour with a pair of shrubs and weave in summer sweet peas – for families creating a cosy reading and tea corner outdoors.
- Evening Glow – Place near warm‑toned gravel and bronze grasses like Pennisetum to echo the yellow petal reverses – for gardeners curating a sophisticated, moody sunset palette.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter | Data |
|---|
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose; registered as MEIrysett, marketed as Eddy Mitchell® Hybrid tea rose MEIrysett; ARS exhibition name Garden Director Bartje Miller; premium gold authenticity grade. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Alain Meilland, Meilland International, France, from ('Madame A. Meilland' × 'Yakimour') × 'Épidor'; registered and introduced in 2008 for garden and exhibition use. |
| Awards and recognition |
Rose Hills International Rose Trials First Season Certificate of Merit (2011), highlighting promising garden and exhibition performance under trial conditions in a competitive environment. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright hybrid tea with dense, glossy dark green foliage; height about 70–100 cm, spread 60–90 cm; moderately thorny stems, forming a compact, structured bush for beds or feature planting. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, high‑centred blooms with 26–39 petals, classic pointed buds and mostly solitary stems; remontant, with a notably abundant second flush suitable for cutting and exhibition. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Velvety deep burgundy with golden‑yellow reverses; retains dark colour well in warmth, fading slightly to purple and bronzed yellow; good colour stability gives extended ornamental value on the plant. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Mild yet noticeable rose fragrance, adding a gentle sensory layer without overpowering nearby seating areas; scent level suits mixed family gardens and close planting near doors or paths. |
| Hip characteristics |
Hip formation generally sparse due to double blooms and regular deadheading; may occasionally form small, ovoid, red hips around 8–12 mm, offering minor seasonal interest if left unpruned. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to approximately −23 to −21 °C (RHS H7, USDA 6a, Swedish Zone 3); moderate disease resistance to black spot, mildew and rust; tolerates heat but appreciates regular watering in dry spells. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in sunny positions with well‑drained soil; spacing 50–55 cm in groups or 90 cm as specimen; suitable for beds, edging, containers and cutting; maintenance medium, including occasional pest and disease checks. |
EDDY MITCHELL® offers dramatic bicolour blooms, heat‑tolerant, compact growth and long‑term reliability from its own‑root form; a cultured choice if you value lasting structure, cut flowers and manageable care.
