FLUSHING MEADOW – cream-pink hybrid tea rose – Dorieux
Bring a touch of cottage romance to an everyday family garden with FLUSHING MEADOW, a classic hybrid tea rose supplied as a practical own-root plant in the pharmaROSA® ORIGINAL 2‑litre container. Its upright habit and dense foliage create a neat, easily managed presence along paths, in front gardens or beside a sunny seating area, while the large, cupped blooms in cream, pink and scarlet tones provide a soft focus for summer afternoons. Medium disease resistance and good winter hardiness mean it copes reliably with changeable British weather and blustery, wetter coastal conditions when planted with sensible drainage. The very double flowers last well as cut stems, so you can enjoy them both in the border and in a vase indoors. As an own-root rose it builds a durable framework, regenerating from the base and supporting a long garden life with fewer replacement tasks over time, following the natural rhythm of Year 1 roots, Year 2 shoots, Year 3 full ornamental value.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Sunny front garden focal point |
The upright growth and medium height make FLUSHING MEADOW a tidy yet eye-catching focal shrub near the front door or along a drive. Repeating flushes of large, very double flowers give long seasonal interest with modest care, suiting busy householders and beginners. |
| Classic hybrid tea cutting row |
Solitary, long-stemmed blooms with firm petals are ideal for cutting and arranging in vases, bringing their soft, sweet fragrance indoors. Own-root vigour supports regular harvesting without exhausting the plant, a plus for home florists and hobbyists. |
| Romantic cottage-style mixed border |
The cream and pink tones blend beautifully with perennials and herbs in a cottage-style scheme, while the upright habit prevents the plant sprawling into paths. Recurrent flowering adds relaxed colour through summer for fans of traditional romance. |
| Low, informal flowering hedge |
Planted 55–65 cm apart, its dense foliage and upright structure form a low, informal hedge that defines spaces without feeling rigid. Own-root resilience and good frost hardiness give a long-lived boundary for practical family gardeners. |
| Family garden flower bed in challenging weather |
Medium disease resistance and reliable winter hardiness help this rose cope with typical British swings of damp, wind and cold, especially when sited with good drainage to handle persistent rain and blustery conditions near exposed coastal areas for cautious homeowners. |
| Water-conscious planting with regular mulching |
Average heat tolerance means it appreciates mulching and regular watering in dry spells, but once established its own-root system supports steady growth and flowering. This suits thoughtfully managed, water-aware beds planned by responsible families. |
| Large patio container near seating |
In a minimum 40–50 litre pot with quality compost, its compact footprint and upright habit give a vertical accent beside a bench or terrace. The mild fragrance and changing flower colours add subtle charm for time-poor urban residents. |
| Long-term planting in small to medium gardens |
As an own-root rose it can regenerate from the base if pruned hard or weather-damaged, maintaining form and flowers over many years with simple winter trimming, which supports a stable, low-fuss display for long-term-minded planners. |
Styling ideas
- Cottage-edge – Line a front path with FLUSHING MEADOW and low catmint for a neat yet romantic edging – ideal for traditional cottage-style enthusiasts.
- Pastel-bed – Combine with pale delphiniums and pink foxgloves in a mixed border for layered height and soft colour – suited to lovers of gentle, storybook schemes.
- Kitchen-nook – Plant near a vegetable patch with marigolds and chives to echo a rustic potager look – appealing to those who enjoy blending flowers and edibles.
- Porch-pot – Place a single plant in a 40–50 litre container by the front door with trailing thyme to frame the entrance – perfect for busy urban homeowners.
- Cutting-row – Arrange a short row with spacing for easy access, interplanted with annuals like larkspur for coordinated bouquets – attractive to home floristry fans.
Technical cultivar profile
| Trait |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose, registered as DORnapa, marketed as FLUSHING MEADOW – cream-pink hybrid tea rose – Dorieux; ARS exhibition name FLUSHING MEADOW, in the Hybrid Tea commercial group. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by François Dorieux II at Dorieux Pépinières, Montagny, Loire, France; parentage unknown; introduced and registered in 1988, first distributed by Pépinières Jacques Briant. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright bush 70–95 cm tall and 55–80 cm wide, with dense, mid-green, slightly glossy foliage and moderate prickles; spent blooms persist and usually require manual deadheading for best effect. |
| Flower morphology |
Very double, cupped blooms with over 40 petals, borne mostly singly on stems; large flower size of approximately 2.75–3.95 inches across; remontant with a generous second flush in season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Cream inner petals with bright scarlet edges (RHS 45A outer, 11D inner); buds deep red, opening with strong red margins that fade to pink as the cream tones warm to buttery yellow, softening the contrast over time. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Mild, sweetish scent that is noticeable at close range but not overpowering; primarily valued as an ornamental variety rather than for strong fragrance or perfumery use, with very double flowers concealing stamens. |
| Hip characteristics |
Produces small numbers of spherical, orange-red hips, around 12–18 mm in diameter; hips are decorative in close-up autumn views but not produced in abundance across the whole plant. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Medium overall disease resistance; resistant to powdery mildew and black spot, medium for rust; winter hardy to about −21 to −18 °C (RHS H7, USDA 6b, Swedish zone 3) with regular watering in prolonged drought. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil; plant 55–65 cm apart, 2.4–2.7 plants/m²; suitable for beds, edging, front gardens and cutting; medium maintenance with occasional pest and disease monitoring. |
FLUSHING MEADOW offers upright, compact growth, elegant cutting-quality blooms and reassuring hardiness on a durable own-root framework, making it a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking long-term beauty with manageable care.
