The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-03-04
MERITS OF. DIFFERENT ROSES.
A Prominent Florist Considers Roses from
a Growers Standpoint.

MERITS OF. DIFFERENT ROSES.
A Prominent Florist Considers Roses from
Growers Standpoint.
In a paper on roses, read by Mr.. Edwin
Lonsdale, of Philadelphia, Pa. at the fourth
annual meeting of the Society of Ameri-
can Florists. the following information of
practical interest to rose growers was
given American Beauty Is perhaps the
most remarkable rose on the list. A rose
of its size, form and fragrance. and at
the same time perpetual bloomer, is a
great stride onward. It was introduced
to the American puolic just when the
large hybrid perpetual rose had become
fashionable, and flower buyers wanted
these at oil seasons of the year. Ameri.
can Beauty is obtainable from January to
September 1t will stand much heat and
moisture when in good health, and seems
to do better the third year after planting
out than the first The plan Of bending
down the shoots seems to be the best for
this rose. It causes Towering shoots to
break from the base which generally pro.
duce fine blooms.
No rose ever created so much attention
in this country as the William F. Bennett.
1t has been one of the most valuable roses
introduced into our list of winter bloom
ing sorts for number of years. 1t is a
hard rose to get started on account of its
free blooming tendency. but by persistent
disbudding, when planted no more than
three or four inches deep in rich, light
soil on well drained table, it is one of
the most profitable varieties grown. 1t
requires more heat than most of the teas,
and seems to improve in constitution each
year.
Catherine Mermet commands the ad.
miration of every one who sees it. Its
delicate coloring, fragrance and exquisite
form have made it deserved favorite.
Unfortunately everybody cannot grow 1t
proitably. 1t requires special treatment
to bring out it's paying qualities, and is
very much inclined TO run to blind wood
if grown in too light soil. It prefers 6
rather stiff, though porous, soil, for nc
rose is more impatient of excessive mois
ture at the roots, and night tempera
ture of not higher than 30 degs. produces
the finest flowers.
The Bride is sprout from the last named
variety, being identical with it, excepting
in color, which is white. It has estab
lished itself as one of the best white
roses we have. OF course, it does moi
compare with the Puritan when at its
best, nor with Niphetos for productive
ness, but it can generally be depended
upon to bring fair price when delivered
in good condition. It has almost entirely
displaced Cornelia Cook, and will holt
it's own for some time to come. Niphetos
it has been said, will be grown when al
the white roses now in cultivation have
been forgotten. This is perhaps going {
little too far, but it goes to show in what
esteem this rose is held. Much was hopec
from the Puritan, and these hopes hat
some foundation, but experience has
demonstrated that the majority of the
many buds formed produce Imperfect
blossoms. After the experience of las
winter it cannot be placed on the list o.
roses likely to prove profitable. The ad
vent of the now somewhat old and famou:
Perle des Jardins marked q new era il
rose culture. It will be long time be
fore the Perle is superseded, and, for gen
eral purposes, it remains one of the best
we have. However, it is true that some
of our very best growers do not find il
profitable, because of so many flowers
coming malformed. 1t is believed by
some florists to require more porous sol
than most varieties do, and night tenn
perature of from 60 to 65 degs.
Papa Gontier has not been in general
cultivation sufficiently long for all grow
ers to learn its requirements thoroughly
or to bring out it's good qualities. That
it has established itself as favorite
among flower buyers there is no doubt
It's long stems and good foliage would
give it high rank, even if its fine colo,
were not so desirable. The tendency tc
lose it's leaves in winter, however, is
against it. and if this tendency can be
overcome it must be considered first
class variety.
La France bounded into popular favo,
suddenly as a winter bloomer. Its adap-
liability for forcing must have been dis
covered about the time Mr.. Bennett
Hybrid Teas were introduced, to which
class La France undoubtedly belongs. II
is q great favorite with all flower lovers,
and, generally speaking, profitable to the
grower.
Bon Silene is a very old favorite, and is
still one of the most profitable varieties
in many localities. Its fresh pink color
and ideal shape commends it to all flower
lovers, and it's productiveness will keep
it on the list for some time to come.