Acropolis – MEILLAND® Classics collection – MEIcrado
Premium own-root ACROPOLIS propagation supports exclusive container lines where consistent colour and nostalgic flower form are central to the finished product. As a bush-trained shrub with 3–5 framework canes, it lends itself to 5–7 L premium containers and structured flowerbed or border schemes, including thematic rose collections in public and private projects across the UK, even where winters are cold and wind-exposed conditions are a factor. Its dense, mid-green foliage and remontant, clustered, double blooms provide a reliable base for repeatable crop scheduling, while own-root material offers long-term stability, regeneration and predictable stands under nursery production loads. Planned as tray-rooted propagation for onward grow-on, it fits nursery and integrator systems looking to secure volume supply and a robust collection component for high-end, flower-quality-focused assortments, moving from root establishment in year one through structural shoot build-up in year two to full ornamental value from year three onwards.
Usage options
Finished-product ideas
- Premium 5–7 L Romantic shrub – Own-root, bush-trained ACROPOLIS finished in 5–7 L pots as an exclusive Romantic rose SKU, emphasising nostalgic flower form and stable colour for premium container benches – target: branded retail / garden centres.
- Nostalgic border collection trio – ACROPOLIS grouped with two complementary Romantica shrubs in coordinated 5–7 L containers, exploiting its compact habit and remontant clusters for colour-stable border schemes – target: thematic rose collections for resellers.
- Cut-capable patio feature pot – One or three ACROPOLIS plants in 40–50 L containers, utilising the clustered, large, double blooms as both ornamental display and short-stem cutting source – target: design-led terraces via landscaper-oriented retailers.
- Show-garden verification stock – Uniform own-root NEONATAL ACROPOLIS blocks for cultivar maintenance and show-garden replication, capitalising on verified authenticity and stable shrub structure – target: public gardens and specialist nurseries.
- Heat-resilient romantic mix – ACROPOLIS combined in mixed premium containers with other moderately heat-tolerant cultivars, relying on its good colour retention under warmth – target: southern UK retail programmes seeking reliable summer displays.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Registered as MEIcrado, marketed as Acropolis in the MEILLAND Classics collection; Romantic rose, nostalgia shrub category with ARS exhibition name Acropolis for cut-flower and floribunda classes. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred in France by Alain Meilland for Meilland International SA, introduced in 2002; parentage is not provided, registration year data not available, developed as a Romantica shrub type. |
| Awards and recognition |
not provided |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Bushy shrub, around 60–85 cm high and 50–70 cm spread, dense mid-green, slightly glossy foliage with moderate prickles; trained as a bush with 3–5 structural canes for container or bed use. |
| Flower morphology |
Remontant, large, clustered, cupped double blooms with 26–39 petals; second flush is also abundant, supporting repeated ornamental impact in beds, borders and premium containers across the season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Salmon-pink with creamy overtones, ARS pink blend, RHS 73C outer and 73D inner; buds coral-pink, opening warm salmon-peach, fading to rosy-cream with good colour retention throughout flowering. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Fragrance data not provided beyond being very weak, essentially unscented in practical terms; primarily selected for visual nostalgic flower form and colour rather than notable aromatic contribution. |
| Hip characteristics |
Double flowers set few hips; when present they are 8–12 mm, globular, red (RHS 46A), providing limited fruit effect and indicating energy allocation primarily to repeat flowering rather than seed set. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Moderate disease resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust; hardy roughly to –21 to –18 °C (RHS H7), corresponding to Swedish zone 3 and USDA zone 6b; heat tolerance moderate with watering. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Suitable for flowerbeds, borders, cut-flower use and containers; recommended as a premium container product in 5–7 L pots, with medium maintenance needs and occasional pest and disease control as required. |
Acropolis MEIcrado offers compact, bush-trained own-root shrubs with stable colour, remontant flower display and predictable long-term stands, providing a dependable premium container component for which we would be pleased to discuss capacity and scheduling.
