Some New Roses
by Edwin Lonsdale
1888
THE following list comprises most of the newer Roses that
have been on trial to any extent in and about Philadelphia
during the present winter:
Puritan (H. T.) is one of Mr. Henry Bennett’s seedlings, and
perhaps excites more interest than any other. It is a
cross between Mabel Morrison and Devoniensis, creamy
white in color and a perpetual bloomer. Its flowers have not
opened satisfactorily this winter. The general opinion seems
to be that it requires more heat than is needed for other forcing
varieties. Further trial will be required to establish its merit.
Meteor (H. T., Bennett.)—Some cultivators will not agree
with me in classing this among hybrid Teas. In its manner of
growth it resembles some Tea Roses, but its coloring and
scanty production of buds in winter are indications that there is
Hybrid Remontant blood in it. It retains its crimson color
after being cut longer than any Rose we have, and rarely shows
a tendency to become purple with age, as other varieties of
this color are apt to do. For summer blooming under glass
it will prove satisfactory. In winter its coloring is a rich
velvety crimson, but as the sun gets stronger it assumes a
more lively shade.
Mrs. John Laing (H. R., Bennett,) is a seedling from
Francois
Michelon, which it somewhat resembles in habit of growth
and color of flower. It is a free bloomer out-of-doors in summer
and forces readily in winter. Blooms of it have been
offered for sale in the stores here since the first week in December.
It is a soft shade of pink in color, with a delicate lilac
tint. It promises to become a general favorite, as in addition
to the qualities referred to, it is a free autumnal bloomer
outside. For forcing it will be tried extensively next winter.
Princess Beatrice (T., Bennett,) was distributed for the
first
time in this country last autumn, but has so far been a disappointment
in this city. But some lots arrived from Europe
too late and misfortunes befell others, so that the trial can
hardly be counted decisive, and we should not hastily condemn
it. Some have admired it for its resemblance, in form of
flower, to a Madame Cuisin, but its color is not just what we
need. In shade it somewhat resembles Sunset, but is not so
effective. It may, however, improve under cultivation, as
some other Roses have done; so far as I know it has not been
tried out-of-doors.
Papa Gontier (H. B., Nabonnaud.)—This, though not properly
a new rose, is on trial for the first time in this city. It has
become a great favorite with growers, retailers and purchasers.
In habit it is robust and free blooming, and in coloring, though
similar to Bon Silene, is much deeper or darker. There seems
to be a doubt in some quarters as to whether it blooms as
freely as Bon Silene; personally, I think there is not much
difference between the two. Gontier is a good Rose for outdoor
planting.
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