June is called the month of roses. Quite the commonest variety known to Hearticulturists is the Blush Rose. This most delicate and sensitive of all the flowers in Love's Garden has the astonishing power of changing color. The faintest whisper of a Spring Zephyr, the hum of a bee, or the note of a bird will cause it to turn from an ivory pink to the deepest crimson. Care should be taken in the selection of this variety of roses as unscrupulous nurserymen often palm off on inexperienced customers a rank imitation, little better than a weed, known as the Common Rouge or Make-up Plant (Pigmentia Artificialis), a variety of the Puff Blossom. The imposture may be easily detected, however, by the application of the water test, a spray of water from a watering can or hose causing the false rose to turn a chalky white color with red streaks.
Matrimony is a flower much cultivated in June, but it is difficult to raise, and many gardeners refuse to have anything to do with it. Though the catalogues advertise highly, we do not recommend it to very young gardeners.
THE BLUSH ROSE
Delicatia Varia
Mostany Family.
