Belles Rives

Full Description:

On the shores of the French Riviera stands the Hôtel Belles Rives, an Art Deco palace associated with glittering evenings, celebrated writers and the carefree elegance of the Côte d’Azur. Meilland captured that atmosphere in a rose that seems ready for its own summer celebration.

Its sculpted buds open into large, beautifully formed flowers of vivid cherry pink, sometimes revealing lighter magenta reflections as the petals unfold. Each bloom carries approximately 35 delicately arranged petals and measures around 12 cm across.

The fragrance is powerful and distinctly fruity, bringing another dimension to the flower’s vibrant colour. Planted beside a terrace, path or seating area, Belles Rives allows its perfume to become part of everyday life in the garden.

The flowers return in successive flushes from spring until the first frosts. They rise on elegant stems above healthy green foliage, giving the shrub a polished appearance throughout the flowering season.

Belles Rives develops into an upright, well-balanced Hybrid Tea rose reaching approximately 90 cm in height and 70 cm in width. Its strong stems and generously sized flowers also make it an excellent choice for bouquets, with cut blooms lasting around five to seven days under good household conditions.

Plant it where you can see and smell it often. With every cherry-pink bloom, Belles Rives brings back something of the Riviera’s golden age: elegance without formality, beauty without effort and the feeling that a celebration might begin at any moment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What inspired the name Belles Rives?
The rose is dedicated to the Hôtel Belles Rives, the celebrated Art Deco palace in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera. The hotel is associated with the glamour and creative spirit of the Côte d’Azur during the 1920s.

What colour are the flowers?
Belles Rives produces vivid cherry-pink flowers that may reveal lighter magenta reflections as they open.

How fragrant is Belles Rives?
It has a powerful fruity fragrance. Planting it near a terrace, path, doorway or seating area makes its perfume easier to enjoy.

Does Belles Rives flower repeatedly?
Yes. It produces successive flushes from spring until the first frosts. Removing faded blooms regularly will help encourage new flowers.

How large are the flowers?
The large flowers measure approximately 12 cm and contain around 35 petals arranged in an elegant Hybrid Tea form.

How tall does Belles Rives grow?
It reaches approximately 90 cm in height and around 70 cm in width, creating a balanced, upright shrub.

Is Belles Rives easy to grow?
Yes. Meilland classifies it as a very easy variety to grow. A sunny position, fertile soil and regular watering during dry periods will support healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Where should I plant Belles Rives?
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. It works particularly well in rose beds, mixed borders and places where its fragrance can be appreciated at close range.

Can Belles Rives be grown in a container?
Yes. It can grow successfully in a large, deep container with good drainage. Container-grown roses require regular watering and feeding during the growing season.

Is Belles Rives suitable for cut flowers?
Yes. Its long stems, large blooms, rich colour and powerful fragrance make it an excellent rose for bouquets and floral arrangements.

How long do the cut flowers last?
The flowers may last approximately five to seven days in a vase under good household conditions. Use clean water, remove any leaves below the waterline and recut the stems before arranging them.

How can I encourage more flowers?
Remove faded blooms, water deeply during dry weather and apply a suitable rose fertiliser during active growth. Annual pruning encourages strong stems and well-formed flowers.

Which plants combine well with Belles Rives?
White, pale pink, lavender and deep burgundy flowers complement its cherry-pink colouring. Nepeta, salvia, lavender and ornamental grasses can help create a relaxed Riviera-inspired planting scheme.

Is Belles Rives suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its manageable dimensions, repeat flowering and straightforward care make it a suitable choice for gardeners who are new to growing roses.

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 in a sunny position, water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while its roots become established. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.