Chocolate-bronze cut rose — a cult 'coffee' classic.
Iconic 'chocolate' cut-flower · chameleon colour
Cool → pink-brown; warm → scorched orange; the name is a chocolate brand
23–30 petals.
Prone to powdery mildew.
The bronze tone is deeper in cool weather.
Dark green.
Breeder's code MEIcofum.
Terracotta brown with a bronze-cinnamon dusting; creamy yellow reverse
Coffee-bronze varieties from this section make a natural partner for the 'chocolate' Leonidas.
Violet and blue perennials set off the bronze:
For contrast beside the bronze-brown, use blue and violet:
Where to plant. First and foremost for cut flowers and 'coffee'-themed arrangements; in the garden — a warm, sunny spot.
Climate. USDA 7b+ — a greenhouse cut-flower variety; outdoors it needs a warm site and winter protection.
Care. As a greenhouse HT — warm sun, mildew prevention, feeding. The colour is best in cool weather.
Name. Named after the Belgian chocolate brand Leonidas — a play on the chocolate-brown colour.
Breeding. Alain Meilland (France); 1995; code MEIcofum. 'Hello' × 'Peace'.
Significance. One of the best-known 'chocolate' cut roses in the world; a cult favourite in floristry for its unique brown-bronze tone.
Repeat in flushes.
120–150 cm tall, 60–90 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 2.5 out of 5. 2.5 / 5; prone to powdery mildew.
Sun; repeat flowering; the bronze tone is deeper in cool weather.
Faint.
