Meilland International SA
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Horticulture, Rose breeding |
| Founded | 1850 |
| Headquarters | Le Luc en Provence , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Alain Meilland, Michelle Richardier Meilland, Jacques Mouchotte (Director of Research) |
| Products | Roses, ornamental plants |
Number of employees | 800+ |
Meilland International SA is a family-operated enterprise specializing in rose cultivation, established around 1850. Its operations are based at the Domaine de Saint André located in Le Cannet-des-Maures, Le Luc en Provence, Var, France, with subsidiaries worldwide.
History
The distinguished Meilland family, known for their expertise in French rose breeding, traces its origins to gardener Joseph Rambaux in 1850 in Lyon. He was responsible for creating the Polyantha variety 'Perle d'Or'. Following Rambaux’s passing in 1878, his widow Claudine and son-in-law François Dubreuil assumed control of the nursery. In 1900, Dubreuil employed Antoine Meilland, then sixteen years old, who later wed Dubreuil’s daughter Claudia in 1909. Their son, Francis, was born in 1912. After Dubreuil died in 1916, the nursery was inherited by Antoine and Claudia.
After World War I, Antoine and Claudia founded a new nursery near Lyon. Francis married Marie-Louise (Louisette) Paolino, whose family had Italian rose breeding roots. Francis expanded the company’s reach internationally and gained widespread acclaim for the 'Peace' rose, introduced post-World War II, which achieved remarkable commercial success. In 1946, a merger with Francisque Richardier enabled Francis to dedicate himself entirely to breeding.
Upon Francis’s death in 1958, Louisette took over the breeding program, producing numerous award-winning roses. The firm transformed into Meilland International (House of Meilland), headquartered in Le Luc en Provence, France. Their children, Alain and Michelle—both accomplished rose breeders—took charge after Louisette retired. In 1978, Jacques Mouchotte was appointed Director of Research and developed well-known varieties such as 'Bonica 82', 'Debut', 'Carefree Wonder', 'Black Baccara', and 'Carefree Delight'. Meilland International continues to be entirely family-owned and operated.
House of Meilland
The entity known as Meilland Richardier evolved into the global rose cultivation company called House of Meilland or Meilland International, based in Luc en Provence, France. Wholly owned by the Meilland and Richardier families, it functions through three main divisions: Meilland International, dedicated to developing new rose varieties; Meilland Richardier, which grows and markets commercial roses internationally; and Selection New Plant (SNP), focused on sourcing innovative ornamental plant species.
Employing over 800 personnel worldwide, the company maintains rose trial gardens and testing sites across France, the United States, and Germany. Each year, Meilland International distributes upwards of 12 million rose plants. Leadership includes rose breeders Alain Meilland and Michelle Richardier Meilland, with Jacques Mouchotte leading the breeding initiatives since 1978.
Roses
| cultivar | group | colour | year | award | foto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 'Alain' | Floribunda | red | 1946 | Most Beautiful French Rose | |
| 'Louis de Funès' | Hybrid Tea | yellow-red blend | 1987 | Geneva GM | |
| 'Madame A. Meilland' (Peace) | Hybrid Tea | yellow blend | 1935 | Rose Hall of Fame | |
| 'Pierre de Ronsard' | Large-flowered climber | pink blend | 1985 | Rose Hall of Fame | |
| 'Pink Wonder' | Floribunda | pink | 1970 | Belfast GM, Madrid GM | |
| 'Line Renaud' | Hybrid Tea | pink | 2006 | ADR | |
| 'Bonica 82' | Floribunda | pink | 1981 | Rose Hall of Fame AGM 1993 |
|
| 'Papa Meilland' | Hybrid Tea | dark red | 1963 | Rose Hall of Fame Gamble Fragrance Award 1974 |
|
| 'Pink Flamingo' | Hybrid Tea | pink-salmon blend | 1963 | Portland Rose Trials Best Grandiflora Rose 2014 |