Shrub rose (landscape)Meilland, 2006White and cream

Pretty Kiss

A white single flower with a bright red edge and golden stamens; continuous flowering; a healthy ADR-shrub rose.

ADR 2006 · German trade name 'Wilde Schönheit' (Wild Beauty)

Variety profile Gardeners' photos

Variety profile

Flowering

Repeat flowering

Strongly repeat-flowering — continuously from June to October. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.

Awards

ADR 2006

Passed German health trials without spraying

Winter hardiness

−23 °C

USDA zone 6. South and centre; in the north with winter protection. South and centre · in the north — with winter cover.

Compare reference temperatures

Plant size

100–150 × 80–100 cm

Habit: Broad, bushy, upright
Dimensions: 100–150 cm high × 80–100 cm wide
Support: Not needed — a self-supporting bush
Shoots: Young shoots reddish-bronze, turning green with age
Branching: Good

Flower

10–12 cm

Bud shape: Pointed
Open flower: Single, flat, with an open yellow centre; diameter about 10–12 cm (some sources give a smaller size, 7–8 cm)
Centre: Open, with golden-yellow stamens
Fullness: Single (not double, 4–8 petals)
Flower carriage: In clusters

Fragrance

Barely noticeable; according to independent sources (the breeder claims strong)

Barely noticeable — according to independent sources, almost scentless (the breeder's advertising claims 'strong').

Disease resistance

5 out of 5

Black spotresistantPowdery mildewresistant

High — ADR-level (resistant to black spot and powdery mildew).

Sun

Sun / partial shade

Full sun is best.

Thorns

Many

thornlessfewmoderatemanyvery many

According to available data, it is noticeably prickly.

Foliage

Large, dark green, glossy, healthy.

Other names

Breeder's code MEIhadrall.

All characteristics in a table

Group: Shrub rose (landscape)
Breeder: Meilland, France, 2006
Bud shape: Pointed
Open flower: Single, flat, with an open yellow centre; diameter about 10–12 cm (some sources give a smaller size, 7–8 cm)
Centre: Open, with golden-yellow stamens
Colour: White with a narrow, bright red (cherry) edge; each flower lasts 2–3 days and, as it fades, turns raspberry-cherry
Fullness: Single (not double, 4–8 petals)
Flower carriage: In clusters
Flowering: Strongly repeat-flowering — continuously from June to October
Fragrance: Barely noticeable — according to independent sources, almost scentless (the breeder's advertising claims 'strong')
Hips: Unknown
Habit: Broad, bushy, upright
Branching: Good
Shoots: Young shoots reddish-bronze, turning green with age
Thorns: According to available data, it is noticeably prickly.
Dimensions: 100–150 cm high × 80–100 cm wide
Support: Not needed — a self-supporting bush
Foliage: Large, dark green, glossy, healthy
Resistance: High — ADR-level (resistant to black spot and powdery mildew)
Variations of the variety: Part of Meilland's 'Pretty' series (Pretty Girl, Pretty Snow, Pretty Star and others — these are separate varieties of the series, not sports)

Colour scheme

White with a narrow, bright red (cherry) edge; each flower lasts 2–3 days and, as it fades, turns raspberry-cherry

Rose neighbours

Ingrid Bergmanbright red

Munstead Woodvelvety crimson

Winchester Cathedralpure white

Keriosunny yellow · contrast

Perennials to plant nearby

Catmint (Nepeta)light blue

Salvia Caradonnaviolet

Gypsophilawhite haze

Lamb's ears (Stachys)silver

Neighbouring roses

Red and white varieties pick up both colours of the 'kiss': the bright red edging and the white petal base.

Ingrid Bergman Munstead Wood Winchester Cathedral Kerio

Companion perennials

Blue, silver and white plants highlight the fresh white-and-red contrast:

catmint (Nepeta)salvia Caradonnagypsophilalamb's ears (Stachys)

Contrast accents

Blue spires and silver foliage balance the bright red edging:

DelphiniumNepeta Six Hills GiantStachys byzantina

More about the variety

Hips: Unknown
Variations of the variety: Part of Meilland's 'Pretty' series (Pretty Girl, Pretty Snow, Pretty Star and others — these are separate varieties of the series, not sports)

How to grow

Where to plant. In borders, mass plantings and urban greenery, as a low flowering hedge. The single flower's 'wild' look suits naturalistic plantings and attracts pollinators.

Climate. Southern and central Ukraine — no protection needed; often overwinters even in USDA zone 5; in the north — with winter protection.

Care. Minimal — an ADR-variety, healthy and undemanding; full sun or light partial shade; flowers continuously, with no need to deadhead.

About the name

Name. From Meilland's commercial 'Pretty' series; 'Kiss' suggests the white petals 'kissed' red along the edge. The German trade name is 'Wilde Schönheit' ('Wild Beauty'), a nod to the simple, 'wild' look of the open flower.

Breeding. Bred by Meilland International (France) before 2006. Patent code MEIhadrall. Parent varieties are not published.

Significance. A healthy landscape ADR-shrub rose (2006), valued for the unusual white-and-red colouring of its simple flower, long continuous flowering and undemanding nature; good for mass and naturalistic plantings.

Frequently asked questions about Pretty Kiss

Does Pretty Kiss need winter protection?

The cultivar’s reference temperature is −23 °C (USDA zone 6). Overwintering depends on the conditions. South and centre; in the north with winter protection.

How many times a season does Pretty Kiss flower?

Strongly repeat-flowering — continuously from June to October.

How big does Pretty Kiss grow?

100–150 cm tall, 80–100 cm wide.

Which diseases affect Pretty Kiss?

Overall resistance: 5 out of 5. 4–5 / 5; high — ADR-level; healthy and undemanding.

How much sun does Pretty Kiss need?

Sun / partial shade; full sun is best.

What does Pretty Kiss smell like?