The Cherry Parfait Rose is a striking grandiflora rose known for its creamy white petals edged in deep cherry red. Its large, bicolor blooms appear repeatedly from late spring through fall and make excellent cut flowers as well as dramatic additions to garden beds and borders. Growing approximately 3–4 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, Cherry Parfait performs best in full sun and is generally suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 5–10.
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes the Cherry Parfait Rose unique, how to plant and care for it successfully, and how much sunlight, water, fertilizer, and pruning it needs. You’ll also discover its mature size, fragrance, disease resistance, common problems, companion plants, and the best ways to use this distinctive rose in your landscape.
What Is the Cherry Parfait Rose?
Cherry Parfait™ is a grandiflora rose bred by Alain Meilland in France and hybridized in 2000. Registered as ‘MEIsponge’ in 2001, it was introduced in the United States by Conard-Pyle in 2003. Its parentage is ‘Jacqueline Nebout’ × (‘Tamango’ × ‘Matanji’).
The cultivar combines the large, showy flowers associated with grandiflora roses with a relatively compact, bushy growth habit. Its creamy white petals edged in cherry red, repeat flowering, and very good disease resistance have helped make it a distinctive landscape and cutting rose.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
Does the Cherry Parfait Rose bloom all summer?
Yes. Cherry Parfait is a repeat-blooming rose that produces successive flushes of flowers throughout the growing season. With adequate sunlight, water, nutrients, and regular care, it can provide color from late spring or early summer until fall, depending on the local climate.
Is Cherry Parfait disease resistant?
Cherry Parfait is considered to have very good disease resistance and was bred to perform reliably as a landscape rose. However, no rose is completely disease-proof. Providing plenty of sunlight and air circulation and avoiding prolonged wet foliage can help reduce the risk of common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew.
Can Cherry Parfait Roses be grown in containers?
Yes. Cherry Parfait’s relatively compact growth habit makes it a good candidate for container growing. Choose a large container with drainage holes and enough room for the root system to develop. Place the container where the rose receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and monitor moisture carefully, since container-grown roses generally dry out faster than roses planted in the ground.
Is Cherry Parfait a climbing rose?
No. Cherry Parfait Rose is a grandiflora shrub rose, not a climbing rose. It develops an upright, bushy growth habit and does not produce the long canes characteristic of climbing roses. Its compact form makes it better suited to beds, borders, specimen plantings, and containers.
Does Cherry Parfait make a good cut flower?
Yes. Cherry Parfait makes an attractive cut flower because of its large, approximately 4-inch (10 cm) bicolor blooms and striking red-and-white coloration. Flowers are often produced in small clusters, and their dramatic coloring makes them particularly useful for bouquets and floral arrangements.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Botanical/Cultivar Name | Rosa ‘MEIsponge’ |
| Common Name | Cherry Parfait™ Rose |
| Rose Type | Grandiflora |
| Breeder | Alain Meilland, France |
| Hybridized | 2000 |
| U.S. Introduction | 2003 |
| Parentage | ‘Jacqueline Nebout’ × (‘Tamango’ × ‘Matanji’) |
| Mature Size | Approximately 3–4 ft. tall and about 3 ft. wide |
| Bloom Color | Creamy white with cherry-red edges |
| Bloom Size | Approximately 4 in. (10 cm) |
| Flower Form | Cupped to flat, often produced in clusters |
| Petal Count | Approximately 26–40 petals |
| Fragrance | None to mild |
| Blooming Habit | Repeat bloomer |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Approximately 5–10 |
| Disease Resistance | Very good |
| Growth Habit | Compact, bushy, rounded |
| Best Uses | Beds, borders, mass plantings, containers, and cut flowers |
Growing Cherry Parfait Roses
Cherry Parfait Roses perform best in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose an open location with good air circulation, particularly in humid climates where prolonged moisture on the foliage can encourage fungal diseases.
Soil
Plant Cherry Parfait in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter such as compost. Roses grow poorly in soil that remains consistently waterlogged, so improve heavy clay or poorly drained planting sites before planting. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is generally suitable for healthy rose growth.
Watering
Water deeply rather than giving the plant frequent, shallow watering. Newly planted roses require more consistent moisture while their root systems become established, while established plants should be watered when the upper layer of soil begins to dry. Direct water toward the base of the plant and avoid routinely wetting the foliage, especially late in the day.
Fertilizing
Begin feeding established Cherry Parfait Roses as new growth develops in spring. Apply a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for roses according to the product directions. Additional feeding during the active growing season can support repeat flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Stop fertilizing sufficiently early for new growth to harden before cold weather in regions with freezing winters.
Mulching
Apply a 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch several inches away from the base of the canes rather than piling it directly against the plant.
Spacing and Air Circulation
Allow enough space for Cherry Parfait to reach its mature width of approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) without becoming crowded by neighboring plants. Good spacing improves air circulation around the foliage and makes routine pruning and maintenance easier. It can also help reduce conditions that favor black spot and powdery mildew.
Cherry Parfait Rose Growing Requirements
| Growing Requirement | Recommendation |
| Sunlight | Full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily |
| Soil | Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter |
| Water | Water deeply and consistently; avoid waterlogged soil |
| Air Circulation | Provide enough spacing for good airflow |
| Fertilizer | Feed during active growth with a fertilizer formulated for roses |
| Mulch | Apply 2–3 in. (5–7.5 cm) around the root zone, keeping it away from the stems |
| Pruning | Prune in early spring as new growth begins |
| Deadheading | Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming |
| Winter Care | Mulch around the base in colder parts of its hardiness range |
Planting Cherry Parfait Roses
Plant Cherry Parfait Roses in spring when the soil is workable or in early fall while there is still enough time for roots to become established before the ground freezes. In regions with very cold winters, spring planting is generally the safer choice.
Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and has fertile, well-drained soil. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root system but only deep enough to position the rose at the appropriate planting depth. Spread the roots naturally rather than bending or crowding them into the hole.
For grafted Cherry Parfait Roses, the position of the graft union depends on climate. In colder regions, it is commonly planted at or slightly below soil level for additional winter protection, while in warmer climates it may be positioned slightly above the surrounding soil. Nursery-grown roses should also be planted according to any specific instructions provided with the plant.
Allow approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) between Cherry Parfait Roses and enough space from neighboring plants to maintain good air circulation as the shrubs mature.
After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate large air pockets. Apply a 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch over the root zone to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch several inches away from the base of the canes.
Pruning and Deadheading Cherry Parfait Roses
Prune Cherry Parfait Roses in early spring as new growth begins and the danger of severe frost has passed. Start by removing dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing canes with clean, sharp pruning shears. Thin crowded growth to improve air circulation through the center of the plant, which can also help reduce conditions that encourage fungal diseases.
Cut healthy canes just above an outward-facing bud to encourage an open, well-shaped shrub. Avoid excessive pruning, particularly on young plants that are still becoming established.
During the flowering season, remove spent blooms to keep the plant tidy and encourage continued flowering. Cut faded flower stems back to a healthy outward-facing leaf or bud rather than simply removing the flower head. Cherry Parfait is a repeat-blooming rose, so regular deadheading can help maintain an attractive display throughout the growing season.
Remove diseased or damaged foliage whenever it appears, and clean fallen rose leaves from around the base of the plant to help reduce the carryover of common rose diseases.
Propagating Cherry Parfait Roses
Cherry Parfait Roses can be propagated from stem cuttings or produced commercially by budding or grafting onto suitable rootstock. Growing this rose from seed is not recommended because seedlings may not retain the distinctive characteristics of the parent plant.
For most home gardeners, purchasing a healthy nursery-grown Cherry Parfait Rose is the simplest and most reliable way to add another plant to the garden. Before propagating any named rose cultivar, check whether it is protected by applicable plant patents or other propagation restrictions in your country.
Pests and Diseases
Cherry Parfait Roses are considered to have very good disease resistance, but they can still develop common rose problems, particularly when grown in humid conditions, crowded locations, or areas with poor air circulation. Regular inspection of leaves, buds, and new growth makes it easier to identify problems before they become severe.
Black Spot
Black spot appears as dark spots on the leaves, often surrounded by yellowing tissue. Infected leaves may eventually drop from the plant. Remove affected foliage and clean up fallen leaves around the base of the rose. Water at soil level rather than wetting the foliage, and provide good air circulation to help reduce future outbreaks.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew creates a white or gray powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds. It is more likely to become a problem where air circulation is poor or conditions favor fungal growth. Proper spacing, selective pruning, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilizer can help reduce the risk.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that commonly gather on tender new growth and developing flower buds. Minor infestations can often be removed with a strong stream of water. Beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings can also help keep aphid populations under control.
Spider Mites
Spider mites may cause leaves to develop fine yellow or bronze stippling, and severe infestations can produce fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. They are particularly troublesome during hot, dry weather. Regularly inspect the undersides of foliage and maintain adequate watering to reduce plant stress.
Japanese Beetles
In regions where Japanese beetles are present, adults may feed on rose flowers and foliage, leaving petals damaged and leaves skeletonized. Hand-picking beetles in the morning and dropping them into soapy water can help control small infestations. Avoid Japanese beetle traps near your roses, as the traps may attract additional beetles to the area.
Good growing conditions are one of the best defenses against pest and disease problems. Plant Cherry Parfait in full sun, provide adequate spacing and air circulation, water near the base of the plant, and remove diseased or fallen foliage from the garden.
Best Uses for Cherry Parfait Roses in the Garden
Cherry Parfait Roses work well in both formal and informal landscapes. Their creamy white flowers edged in cherry red provide strong contrast against green foliage, while their relatively compact growth habit makes them easier to incorporate into smaller gardens than many larger roses.
| Garden Use | Why Cherry Parfait Works Well |
| Rose Beds | The red-and-white blooms create a dramatic focal point |
| Mixed Borders | Compact growth makes it easy to combine with perennials and shrubs |
| Specimen Plant | Distinctive bicolor flowers attract attention on their own |
| Mass Plantings | Repeating several plants creates a strong display of color |
| Containers | Its relatively compact habit can work in large containers |
| Cut Flower Gardens | Large, showy blooms are attractive in bouquets and arrangements |
| Cottage Gardens | Blends well with flowering perennials such as salvia, catmint, and lavender |
Companion Plants for Cherry Parfait Roses
Choose companion plants that enjoy similar sunny, well-drained growing conditions without crowding the rose or restricting air circulation. Lavender, catmint, salvia, and hardy geraniums can provide contrasting flower colors while helping soften the base of the rose bush.
For a more formal landscape, compact boxwood or other low evergreen shrubs can provide a structured green backdrop that emphasizes Cherry Parfait’s red-and-white flowers. In informal or cottage-style gardens, ornamental grasses and flowering perennials can create a looser planting while extending seasonal interest beyond the rose’s bloom period.
Keep companion plants far enough from the rose to allow good air movement and avoid planting aggressive species that compete heavily for water and nutrients.
Cherry Parfait vs. Double Delight Roses
Cherry Parfait and Double Delight are both striking bicolor roses with creamy petals accented by red, but they have several important differences.
The Cherry Parfait Rose is a grandiflora rose with creamy white flowers edged in cherry red. Its large blooms appear repeatedly throughout the growing season, and the plant maintains a relatively compact, bushy habit. Cherry Parfait has only a light fragrance, so its greatest attractions are its distinctive coloration, repeat flowering, compact size, and versatility in the landscape.
Double Delight is a hybrid tea rose famous for its creamy white flowers that develop increasingly prominent strawberry-red edges as the blooms mature. Its greatest advantage over Cherry Parfait is fragrance: Double Delight is exceptionally fragrant and is particularly popular with gardeners who want strongly scented roses for both the garden and cutting.
For gardeners primarily interested in a compact bicolor rose for beds, borders, or containers, Cherry Parfait may be the better choice. Cherry Parfait also has the advantage in disease resistance, while Double Delight may require closer monitoring for common rose diseases. If strong fragrance is the priority, however, Double Delight has the clear advantage. Both varieties produce dramatic red-and-cream flowers and make excellent cut roses. Kansas City Rose Society rates Cherry Parfait’s disease resistance very highly but lists Double Delight as not disease resistant
Which Rose Should You Choose?
Choose Cherry Parfait if you want a compact grandiflora with striking red-and-white flowers, repeat blooming, and a plant that works well in beds, borders, and large containers.
Choose Double Delight if fragrance is one of your highest priorities and you want the classic form of a hybrid tea rose with large, strongly scented bicolor flowers.
Final Thoughts on Cherry Parfait Roses
The Cherry Parfait Rose is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a compact rose with distinctive bicolor flowers and reliable repeat blooming. Its creamy white petals edged in cherry red create an eye-catching display in rose beds, mixed borders, large containers, and cut flower gardens.
With full sun, well-drained soil, consistent watering, seasonal feeding, and regular pruning, Cherry Parfait can provide flowers throughout much of the growing season. Its reputation for very good disease resistance also makes it a relatively manageable choice for gardeners who want beautiful roses without exceptionally demanding care.
While gardeners seeking a strongly fragrant rose may prefer another variety, Cherry Parfait stands out for its unusual coloring, manageable size, repeat flowering, and versatility in the landscape.
