Miniature; nostalgicMeilland, 2004Yellow

Baby Romantica

A miniature nostalgic of the 'ranunculus' type — a rarity among patio roses.

Romantica series · for containers

Variety profile Gardeners' photos

Variety profile

Flowering

Repeat-flowering in flushes all season

Winter hardiness

−20 °C

USDA zone 6b–9b. West, centre and south of Ukraine; the container is easy to bring indoors.

Compare reference temperatures

Plant size

30–50 × 30–40 cm

Habit: Compact, rounded — typical of a patio / miniature rose
Dimensions: 30–50 cm tall × 30–40 cm wide
Support: No support needed — the bush is self-supporting (support is needed only for climbing varieties)
Shoots: Short, straight
Branching: Dense, basal growth

Flower

5–6 cm

Bud shape: Round, compact
Open flower: Cup-shaped, then opening like a ranunculus / buttercup; diameter 5–6 cm
Centre: Hidden by the double petals
Fullness: Full, 17–25 petals
Flower carriage: Small clusters of 3–5

Fragrance

Light

Light, unobtrusive.

Disease resistance

4 out of 5

High.

Sun

6 hours

At least 6 hours for the 'buttercup' form to open.

Thorns

Few

thornlessfewmoderatemanyvery many

Few prickles — convenient for a container on a terrace.

Foliage

Dark green, glossy, small.

Other names

Breeder's code MEIpaonia.

All characteristics in a table

Group: Miniature; nostalgic
Breeder: Meilland, 2004
Bud shape: Round, compact
Open flower: Cup-shaped, then opening like a ranunculus / buttercup; diameter 5–6 cm
Centre: Hidden by the double petals
Colour: Ochre-yellow, rich in the centre, with pink-white edges that gradually fade
Fullness: Full, 17–25 petals
Flower carriage: Small clusters of 3–5
Flowering: Repeat-flowering in flushes all season
Fragrance: Light, unobtrusive
Hips: Practically none are formed
Habit: Compact, rounded — typical of a patio / miniature rose
Branching: Dense, basal growth
Shoots: Short, straight
Thorns: Few prickles — convenient for a container on a terrace.
Dimensions: 30–50 cm tall × 30–40 cm wide
Support: No support needed — the bush is self-supporting (support is needed only for climbing varieties)
Foliage: Dark green, glossy, small
Resistance: High
Variations of the variety: Young shoots are bronze; there is a climbing version, Grimpant Baby Romantica (MEIlivoine, 2010) — a separate variety, not to be confused with this one

Colour scheme

Ochre-yellow, rich in the centre, with pink-white edges that gradually fade

Rose neighbours

Lady of Shalottwarm apricot

Pat Austincopper orange

Crown Princess Margaretadeep apricot

Bolerocreamy white · contrast

Perennials to plant nearby

Catmintblue

Lavender 'Hidcote'lavender

Coral bells 'Caramel'purple foliage

Woolly lamb's earssilver

Neighbouring roses

A warm apricot-peach-golden palette supports the ochre centre of Baby Romantica in large compositions.

Lady of Shalott Pat Austin Crown Princess Margareta Bolero

Perennial companions

Purple-blue small flowers and caramel foliage — a harmonious base for a patio composition with a miniature rose:

catmintlavender 'Hidcote'coral bells 'Caramel'woolly lamb's ears

Contrasting accents

For depth and richness — wine and purple accents:

Penstemon GarnetSalvia CaradonnaAllium Purple Sensation

More about the variety

Hips: Practically none are formed
Variations of the variety: Young shoots are bronze; there is a climbing version, Grimpant Baby Romantica (MEIlivoine, 2010) — a separate variety, not to be confused with this one

How to grow

Where to plant. Ideal for containers on a balcony or terrace, in borders, and at the front of mixed borders. Thanks to its small size it combines easily with perennials.

Climate. Suitable for Zakarpattia, Lviv region, Kyiv region and Odesa region; in a container it is easy to move in for winter.

Care. Light formative pruning in spring, regular watering (containers dry out quickly), feeding every 3 weeks during flowering.

About the name

Name. 'Baby' — the small version; 'Romantica' — from the Romantica® parent collection (nostalgic roses with an old-type flower and modern disease resistance).

Breeding. Bred by Meilland International in 2004. The parentage is not officially published (Meilland's commercial secret). Patent code: MEIpaonia.

Meaning. 'nostalgia in miniature' — a rare combination of the patio format with a nostalgic flower form. Do not confuse it with the climbing version Grimpant Baby Romantica (MEIlivoine, 2010) — that is a separate, larger variety.

Frequently asked questions about Baby Romantica

Does Baby Romantica need winter protection?

The cultivar’s reference temperature is −20 °C (USDA zone 6b–9b). Overwintering depends on the conditions.

How many times a season does Baby Romantica flower?

Repeat-flowering in flushes all season.

How big does Baby Romantica grow?

30–50 cm tall, 30–40 cm wide.

Which diseases affect Baby Romantica?

Overall resistance: 4 out of 5. Very good against the main fungal diseases (confirmed by Meilland).

How much sun does Baby Romantica need?

Sun; at least 6 hours for the 'buttercup' form to open.

What does Baby Romantica smell like?