GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA ® – golden yellow hybrid tea rose - Meilland
Step out after summer rain and meet balance in the rich, golden-yellow blooms of Gina Lollobrigida – an upright hybrid tea that brings show-bench elegance to a compact, family-sized garden. Bred by Meilland for strong, citrus-fresh fragrance, this rose delivers large, classic buds on long, straight stems that are ideal for cutting, while its moderate height suits smaller London front gardens and neat urban borders exposed to brisk winds and passing showers. As an own‑root plant it offers reassuring longevity, quietly rebuilding from the base after tough winters or a hard prune, so you can enjoy reliable structure and colour for many years with only modest care. In its first seasons you will see roots establishing, then stronger shoots, before it settles into full ornamental rhythm and generous repeat flowering that sits comfortably in sustainable, rainwater‑wise gardens.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Feature rose for compact front gardens |
The upright, medium‑tall habit and large, classic blooms give a smart focal point beside a doorstep, short path or bay window without overwhelming a modest London terrace frontage; ideal for design‑conscious city homeowners seeking an easy main feature for their plot beginner‑friendly gardeners |
| Cutting rose for home arrangements |
Extra‑large, full, golden‑yellow flowers on straight stems make this variety particularly satisfying for vases, where individual blooms open slowly and hold their form, extending the enjoyment of each flush indoors with relatively few plants needed per household home flower enthusiasts |
| Fragrant seating‑area planting |
The strong, fresh citrus scent is most noticeable at nose height, so planting near benches, small patios or balcony railings rewards evening use of the space, turning a simple chair and table into a subtly perfumed retreat after rain or at the end of the working day busy urban relaxers |
| Long‑term structural rose in clay or chalk soils |
Own‑root growth gives dependable regeneration from the base and a stable outline, so once established the plant rides out typical British winters and heavier soils with minimal intervention, keeping its role as a vertical accent in mixed borders year after year low‑maintenance planners |
| Rainwater‑aware front garden redesign |
This medium‑sized hybrid tea sits comfortably within permeable, gravel‑mulched or lightly terraced front gardens that direct roof run‑off into planting pockets rather than drains, particularly where winds and showers regularly sweep down narrow residential streets sustainability‑minded owners |
| Container focal point on terrace or balcony |
When given a large, 40–50 litre peat‑free container with good drainage, the upright habit and repeat bloom make a tidy, vertical accent that softens hard surfaces, pairing well with trailing herbs or low perennials around the base for a complete mini‑border look space‑limited gardeners |
| Reliable, remontant colour through the season |
Consistent repeat flowering after the first main flush ensures that, with basic deadheading and feeding, you can rely on a steady succession of warm yellow blooms to carry a small garden from early summer towards autumn, avoiding long gaps in display time‑pressed homeowners |
| Own‑root investment rose for long garden lifespans |
Being supplied on its own roots rather than grafted means the plant remains true to type even when cut back hard, gradually developing a balanced framework that responds well to renovation pruning and rewards patience over many seasons of use future‑focused gardeners |
Styling ideas
- Golden‑pathway – line a short front‑garden path with two or three plants under‑planted with low nepeta to brush your ankles with scent – for terrace‑house owners wanting a quietly glamorous entrance.
- Balcony‑bouquet – place one rose in a 50‑litre container, then edge with dwarf lavender and thyme to give cut‑worthy blooms within arm’s reach – for flat dwellers who enjoy picking their own flowers.
- Clay‑border – in heavier soil, mix in grit and add this rose as a central accent among hardy geraniums and dwarf asters – for family gardeners improving an existing, somewhat challenging bed.
- Evening‑perch – site near a small bench and combine with soft grasses and white echinacea to catch the last light and hold citrus fragrance – for busy professionals wanting a calm after‑work corner.
- Front‑garden‑framework – use as a single specimen in a gravelled, rain‑permeable front garden with sage and rosemary for a neat, structured yet wildlife‑aware scheme – for sustainability‑focused homeowners seeking low fuss order.
Technical cultivar profile
| Property |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose, registered as MEIlivar, marketed as Gina Lollobrigida ® in the Classics collection; premium gold quality, verified authenticity for eleanorrose.co.uk home garden customers. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Alain Meilland (France) in 1986 from ‘Laura’ × ‘Parador’®, registered 1990 and introduced after 1990 in Europe and the USA by Meilland International and Star Roses. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright habit, around 110–150 cm tall and 75–105 cm wide, moderately dense mid‑green foliage with slight gloss, moderately thorny stems; forms a well‑defined, vertical garden presence. |
| Flower morphology |
Very full, fully double blooms with 40+ petals, extra‑large hybrid tea flowers borne singly on stems, cup‑shaped with a medium high centre; remontant with abundant second flowering flushes. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Warm, intense golden‑yellow flowers with paler yellow petal reverses; colour holds well, fading only moderately yet remaining clean yellow without pink or brown tones from bud to fall. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Fresh, citrus‑toned perfume with strong scent typical of classic hybrid teas; fragrance is noticeable both in the garden and in cut stems indoors, especially in still evening conditions. |
| Hip characteristics |
Rose hips form sparsely because of fully double flowers; occasional small, ellipsoid, orange‑red hips about 10–14 mm in diameter may appear late in the season if flowers are left uncut. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Rated to approximately −15 to −12 °C, RHS H6, USDA 7b; good black spot resistance with moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew and rust, performing well with routine, preventive care. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in sunny positions with well‑drained soil; water during dry spells, use peat‑free compost in large containers, deadhead for repeat bloom, and allow space according to suggested planting distances. |
GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA ® offers luminous golden blooms, strong citrus fragrance and a compact, upright shape on a resilient own‑root plant, making it a thoughtful long‑term choice if you would like dependable elegance from a single rose.
