De Ruiter Innovations bred Europeana in Belgium in 1963 from Ruth Leuwerik and Rosemary Rose, and its debut was immediately recognized: it won both the Hague Gold Medal in 1962 and the All-America Rose Selections award in 1963. The rosette-form blooms are 2-3 inches across, semi-double with 16-30 petals, and they appear in dense clusters with a mild fragrance. Deep red and reliably repeat-blooming through fall, they make a strong case for the floribunda class in any cutting or cottage garden.

The foliage is part of the seasonal interest. Young leaves emerge dark red and mature to a glossy deep green, giving the plant a two-toned quality in spring that gradually unifies as summer progresses. Europeana stays compact at 2-3 feet tall and wide, fits well in containers, and has demonstrated good heat tolerance across its wide range. Documented resistance to root rot adds to its practicality in heavier soils. Prune in late winter and let new wood carry the blooms. Zones 5-11.