DONATELLA® – light pink hybrid tea rose – Richardier
If You dream of an elegant rose that simply settles in and performs in Irish conditions, DONATELLA® is a refined hybrid tea that combines easy-care planting with reliable, XL blooms and a rich, classic perfume. Its pastel, light pink flowers appear repeatedly from early summer, with strong rebloom that keeps beds and front gardens in colour across the season. Dense, glossy foliage and good disease resistance mean fewer treatments and less time worrying about fungal issues in our damp, humid weather. This own-root plant is bred for a long garden life, forming a stable, upright bush that regenerates well and maintains its shape without complicated pruning. In year one it focuses on roots, year two brings stronger shoots, and by year three You can enjoy its full ornamental display with confidence. Ideal for borders, specimen planting or large containers, it adapts well and offers long-lasting flowers for cutting and for Your garden views.
Use cases
| Target area |
Reason |
| Front garden focal point |
Upright, medium-tall growth and large, rosette blooms create a clear focal point near your entrance or along a drive, giving a tidy, intentional look without complex shaping – ideal for the style-conscious homeowner |
| Small rose group (1–3 plants) in a border |
Dense foliage and uniform, pastel pink colouring allow a small group to read as one harmonious feature, giving reliable structure and colour in average family gardens – reassuring for the busy gardener |
| Cutting patch near the house |
Very double, XL flowers on good stems and a strong classic fragrance make DONATELLA® an excellent source of cut blooms, so You can bring that romantic scent indoors with minimal effort – perfect for the enthusiastic beginner |
| Low-maintenance mixed bed with perennials |
Good resistance to common fungal diseases means fewer sprays and less worry when combined with perennials, giving stable structure and colour among plants such as hostas or ornamental grasses – ideal for time-poor families |
| Romantic cottage-style border |
The soft light-pink rosette flowers and repeated blooming lend themselves to a cottage look, blending easily with lavender, catmint or foxgloves to create a nostalgic, rural feel – appealing to romantic gardeners |
| Coastal or exposed front garden bed |
Robust structure and healthy foliage help it cope in more open, breezy sites where plants must handle moist air and ongoing fungal pressure typical of Atlantic-influenced gardens – suitable for coastal-edge owners |
| Large terrace container (40–50 litre minimum) |
Its upright habit and strong repeat flowering make it impressive in a substantial container, provided good drainage and watering are maintained, giving balcony and patio spaces a long-blooming feature – ideal for urban residents |
| Long-term specimen in a family garden |
As an own-root rose it forms its permanent framework in place, recovering well after pruning and providing stable ornamental value for many years with modest upkeep – reassuring for long-term minded owners |
Decorating ideas
- Pastel Welcome – Plant DONATELLA® by the front door with white hydrangeas and soft blue lavender for a calm, inviting entrance – ideal for homeowners who like understated elegance
- Cottage Blend – Combine it with foxgloves, campanulas and airy grasses for a loose cottage border that still looks tidy thanks to its upright habit – great for fans of romantic rural gardens
- Perfumed Terrace – Grow one plant in a 40–50 litre clay pot near seating, underplanting with trailing thyme and lobelia for colour and fragrance – perfect for small-terrace urban dwellers
- Calm Pink Hedge – Use a short row along a path, spacing evenly, and pair with low evergreen box or hebe edging for a refined, low-maintenance boundary – suited to busy family gardens
- Cut-Flower Corner – Reserve a sunny bed with DONATELLA® and repeat it with white roses and silvery artemisia so bouquets are always coordinated – ideal for those who love arranging flowers at home
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose from the Romantica collection. Registered as MEIkerira, marketed as Donatella® Romantica®. American Rose Society exhibition name Donatella, a female given name reference. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Michèle Meilland Richardier in France, 2009. Parentage undisclosed. Introduced by Meilland International SA in 2011 and registered in 2009 after completion of breeding work. |
| Growth and structure |
Upright hybrid tea bush, about 90–130 cm tall with 55–85 cm spread. Dense, dark green, glossy foliage and moderate prickles. Forms a well-filled, balanced bush when spaced correctly. |
| Flower morphology |
Very double, rosette-shaped blooms with more than 40 petals. XL flower size on clusters, strongly remontant with abundant second flush and further repeats under good care. |
| Colour and phenology |
Light pastel pink with a delicate, uniform tone. Buds mid-pink, opening to soft pale pink, then fading to a silvery rose. Colour retention moderate, with attractive, even full-bloom display. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Very strongly scented hybrid tea with a classic rosy character. Fragrance is long lasting on the plant and in the vase, particularly noticeable in still, warm conditions near seating areas. |
| Rose hip characteristics |
Hip set generally low due to removal of very double flowers. Where present, hips are 10–14 mm, ovoid, orange-red, adding light ornamental interest late in the season. |
| Resistance and hardiness |
Good resistance to powdery mildew, black spot and rust. Hardy to around –18 to –21 °C (H7, USDA 6b, Swedish zone 3). Tolerates warmth but needs watering during prolonged drought. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in sunny or lightly shaded beds, borders and specimen positions. Suitable for hedging and large containers. Space 50–90 cm depending on use; ensure drainage and regular feeding for best results. |
DONATELLA® offers easy-care, disease-resistant elegance with fragrant, repeat-flowering blooms, and as an own-root rose it establishes into a long-lived, reliable feature for your garden; consider it if You want beauty without complicated upkeep
