Evening star., 1954-10-17
By w. H. Youngmon
The Sfor's Corden Editor

The Stor's Gordsn Editor
Selecting roses for the garden,
like many other plants for the
Washington area. cannot be done
satisfactorily on the basis of
catalogue descriptions. The
American Rose Society, recogniz-
ing this problem, has started a
national rating. but even this
has its limitations when it comes
to choosing those varieties which
will thrive in our hot. muggy cli-
mate. Admittedly the American
Rose Society rating is much more
helpful than reading catalogues.
The Potomac Rose Society
many years ago began issuing a
list of recommended varieties
for the beginner. 1t was based
entirely upon the experiences of
Washington gardeners. Because
1t was so well prepared, garden
ers look upon their recommended
tions as the best of guides.
List for Advanced Growers
The Potomac Rose Society's
list is revised almost annually
and with their large membership
scattered throughout the entire
areas it is a real guide to the
varieties which thrive here
However, PRS recognizes the de-
Sires of many gardeners for the
latest Judgment on the newer
varieties for the advanced gar
dener.
In part this list is based upon
the showings made by the an
nual Fall Rose Show. This is
feasible since there are a con-
siderable number of rose hobby
lists in the society and they are
always giving the new varieties
a trial. When a dozen or more
blooms of a new variety show
up at the Fall Rose Show it is
pretty good evidence that that
variety is giving a fair account
of itself.
Vorieties Carefully TobuIoted
The president of the Potomac
Rose Society, w. A. Minor, has
carefully tabulated the varieties
on display at the show and his
records are very useful in ap-
praising the more recent intro
ductions. They are especially
helpful in. let's say, counteract-
ing the publicity given to the
best rose in the show. Why
should we make such a remark?
Well, the best. rose in the show
may be a prima donna, one that
only does well occasionally. The
1853 best" was a beautiful rose
but few have been successful
with that variety.
The 1854 winner, Opera, has
several more champions than
does Nocturne. The runnerup,
the Doctor, is not always success
full and does not receive the
praise that one should expect
from the rose fanciers. However,
1t is a good rose and worth giving
a try. The third best, Show Girl,
is in much the same position.
No doubt about the quality of
the blooms when they are good,
but not enough people get that
quality.
Crimson Glory and Peoce
Crimson Glory is still the one
to beat, and in the dark red
class will find universal appeal,
in spite of the "runty growth" of
the bushes. In many gardens the
Crimson Glory bushes are the
smallest.
Peace is still a favorite because
of its coloring and size, but there
are rose fanciers that swear it
is hard one to grow. In fact,
some have made the remark,
that Climbing Peace is the only
plant that has enough vigor to
be worth growing. That is some
what of an eXaggeration, but
illustrates the point to be made.
Chrysler Imperial was exhib-
tied in considerable numbers at
the 1854 show and apparently
is one of the better light reds
for this area, perhaps replacing
Poinsettia. However, Charlotte
Armstrong seemingly is going to
be with us for some time be-
cause of the high quality of
bloom. The New Yorker, ap-
peared in considerable numbers
and looks better each year. 1t is
a medium red.
Among the new pinks Helen
Trauble is appealing to many
and the number of entries at
the show is a good index of its
ability to produce good bloom
in many gardens. Show Girl has
her supporters. but apparently is
not as good a grower, or per-
haps it would be better to say
is not as tolerant If cultural
practices. Confidence is too new
to pass Judgment. Paramount
is even more promising.
Still Looking for Good White
We are still looking for that
good white rose. The old favor
ite. K. A. Victoria, seems to
have run out, at least we have
not had top-quality blooms on
display in the shows for some
years. Blanche Mallerin ooks
good. but there are not enough
entries PedrableS was good a
year ago. but my plants have
not been particularly commend
able.
One might almost make the
same comment about the yell
lows. Eclipse still is one of the
best, even though it takes the
second season to get into produc-
tion. Golden Masterpiece has