Red Eden Rose (Eric Tabarly)

Full Description:

There is something unmistakably French about Red Eden Rose. Train it around an old gate, across a stone wall or over a pergola and the garden begins to acquire that elusive je ne sais quoi—romantic without being delicate, elegant without appearing carefully arranged.

Meilland named this extraordinary climber Eric Tabarly, after the legendary French sailor who became famous for crossing oceans and pushing beyond what seemed possible at sea. It is an appropriate name for a rose with the same instinct to climb, explore and make its presence known.

Its large flowers open in deep crimson to purple-red, with approximately 95–100 petals arranged into sumptuous, old-fashioned rosettes around 10–11 cm across. The colouring has a velvety depth that becomes particularly striking against the dense green foliage.

Then there is the fragrance. Unlike many climbing roses chosen primarily for visual impact, Eric Tabarly offers a strong classic rose perfume, making it particularly rewarding around entrances, terraces, seating areas and frequently used garden paths.

Flowering begins in late spring and returns generously throughout the season until the first frost. Vigorous climbing stems rise beyond 2 metres and can be trained across walls, fences, arches and pergolas, where spreading the main canes horizontally or diagonally encourages more flowering shoots.

Its healthy foliage and very good disease resistance provide the strength behind all that romance. The blooms are also suitable for cutting, allowing those richly petalled red flowers and their perfume to travel from the garden into the house.

Perhaps that is the real character of Red Eden Rose: the romance of a French garden combined with the adventurous spirit of the man whose name it carries. Give it something to climb, and let it find its own horizon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Red Eden Rose and Eric Tabarly the same rose?
Yes. Red Eden Rose is one of the names under which the Meilland cultivar Eric Tabarly® (MEIdrason) is sold. You may also encounter it as Red Pierre or Rouge Pierre de Ronsard.

Is Red Eden Rose the red version of Pierre de Ronsard?
It is often compared with Pierre de Ronsard because both have exceptionally full, romantic, old-fashioned flowers and belong to Meilland's romantic tradition. However, Eric Tabarly is a distinct cultivar with its own parentage rather than simply a red mutation of Pierre de Ronsard.

Who was Éric Tabarly?
Éric Tabarly was a celebrated French naval officer and ocean sailor whose achievements made him one of the best-known figures in French sailing. Meilland chose his name for this vigorous French climbing rose.

What colour are the flowers?
The flowers are deep crimson to purple-red, with a rich velvety appearance. Their colour provides a much darker and more dramatic effect than the cream-and-pink palette associated with Pierre de Ronsard.

How large are Red Eden Rose flowers?
The blooms generally measure approximately 10–11 cm across, giving them enough size to create impact even when viewed from several metres away.

How full are the flowers?
Exceptionally full. Mature blooms can carry approximately 95–100 petals arranged into cupped, quartered rosettes reminiscent of historic garden roses.

Is Red Eden Rose fragrant?
Yes. Strong fragrance is one of its important attractions, particularly for gardeners who want the romantic appearance of a densely petalled climber without sacrificing perfume.

Where should I plant it to enjoy the fragrance?
Train it near a terrace, entrance, seating area or frequently used path. These positions allow both the flowers and their fragrance to become part of everyday garden enjoyment.

Does Red Eden Rose flower repeatedly?
Yes. It produces repeated flushes from late spring through summer and into autumn, with a particularly generous return after its initial flowering.

How tall does Red Eden Rose grow?
Expect at least 2 metres once established. Under favourable growing conditions and with appropriate training, mature plants can become considerably taller, so it is best treated as a substantial climber rather than a compact rose.

Does it need a climbing support?
Yes. Provide a sturdy pergola, trellis, fence, arch or wall support and tie the main stems securely as they develop.

How should I train Red Eden Rose for more flowers?
Whenever possible, guide the principal stems horizontally or diagonally rather than allowing every cane to grow vertically. This encourages more flowering side shoots to develop along the length of each stem.

Is Red Eden Rose resistant to disease?
Yes. It is valued for very good natural disease resistance and dense, healthy foliage, making it a strong choice for gardeners who want beauty combined with dependable performance.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, provided you can give it full sun, fertile well-drained soil and a suitable climbing structure. Its vigour, repeat flowering and good disease resistance make it a rewarding long-term garden rose.

Can Red Eden Rose be used as a cut flower?
Yes. Its large, richly petalled and fragrant blooms create luxurious bouquets and floral arrangements. Cut flowers can last approximately 5–7 days in a vase under good conditions.

What is the best place for Red Eden Rose in the garden?
Use it where its vertical growth can become part of the architecture of the garden: over an arch, beside an entrance, against a sunny wall, along a fence or across a pergola.

Which plants combine well with Red Eden Rose?
Cream and white roses, lavender, nepeta, white clematis and silver foliage soften its deep crimson colouring. Pale pink companions create a particularly romantic French-garden composition.

What makes Red Eden Rose special?
Few climbers combine this degree of old-fashioned flower fullness, deep velvety red colouring, noticeable fragrance, vigorous growth and repeat flowering. It offers the romance associated with the Eden style, but with a much richer and more dramatic personality.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
Its appearance depends on the delivery season and natural stage of growth. For examples and explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →.

What should I do after planting?
Plant it beside a sturdy support in full sun, water thoroughly and begin guiding the main stems as they develop. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.