Sangria

Where to plant. In a sunny bed, in a border, in a low living hedge, in groups of 3–5; the bright fuchsia is the accent of the planting.

Climate. Good winter hardiness (the Farniente series is described as tough); in colder parts of Ukraine, protect the base for winter.

Care. Minimal, with no annual formative pruning and sanitary thinning in spring; drought- and disease-resistant.

Name. 'Sangria' is a Spanish/Catalan summer drink of red wine with fruit. The name echoes the rich wine-raspberry colour of the flower. Meilland often gives its varieties 'summery, southern' associative names (like 'La Sevillana').

Breeding. Bred by the Meilland house (France), code Meiprille, from the Farniente series of landscape roses. Do not confuse it with another rose called 'Sangria': Meiestho (Floribunda, 1966, Louisette Meilland, orange-red).

Significance. A modest landscape 'workhorse', bright, drought- and disease-resistant, almost care-free. It is easy to overlook among showier varieties, but in a bed or hedge it gives generous colour all summer without fuss.