I would have thought the same but the 1983, 1984 and 1995 references say otherwise. A Google translation of the 1995 reference : “Meillandina® selection of 5 varieties of extraordinary floribundity, with healthy, shiny green foliage, very resistant to diseases. Continuous flowering from the end of May until frost. Average height: 30/45 cm. Planting distance: 30 cm.... GOLDEN Meillandina ® Rise 'n Shine: Light yellow.”
It was clearly a marketing ploy, on par with Meilland renaming William Radler’s Coral Knock Out as Carefree Celebration. This renaming of roses has now become common practise across the world.
