4. Scotch Roses.
5. Climbing Roses; which are again divided into all the distinctive subdivisions.
In describing colors, we have given those which prevail. It is well known that many roses are very variable in this respect, and that the same flower will frequently be white or yellow, crimson or blush, at different periods of its bloom. We have seen a plant produce several flowers totally unlike each other; one being dark crimson, and the other pale blush. We therefore describe the prevailing color, and the cultivator should not be disappointed if his rose, the first season, should not correspond with the description; neither should he be disappointed if a rose which we describe as very double should with him prove very single. Transplanting will often temporarily change the character of roses, and they often refuse to develop themselves perfectly under our hot sun, or in a poor soil. A second season is thus often required to test them fairly. We have seen the fine rose, La Reine, semi-double, and worthless at midsummer, while at other seasons, and perhaps in a different location, it is fully equal to its reputation. It is frequently the case, that roses imported from Europe, under glowing descriptions, prove worthless the first season, but fully sustain their character the second. We mention these things here, in order that the amateur may be prepared for any temporary disappointment that may occur. In describing over two hundred choice varieties, we have endeavored to select those whose character is well established for superior and distinct qualities, and above all, for vigorous growth. Any variety whose growth is uniformly weak has been at once rejected, notwithstanding its great beauty of flower. Thus many fine roses, like Gloire de Santenay, are thrown aside. There are many equally good that have been necessarily omitted, and there are also new varieties we have recently received from Europe, which may prove superior to many we have named.
From this list, the rose amateur may feel safe in selecting, without incurring the risk of obtaining inferior varieties.
ROSES THAT BLOOM DURING THE WHOLE SEASON.
REMONTANT ROSES.
The term Remontant—signifying, literally, to grow again—we have chosen to designate this class of roses, there being no word in our own language equally expressive. They were formerly called Damask and Hybrid Perpetuals, but are distinguished from the true Perpetual or Everblooming Roses by their peculiarity of distinct and separate periods of bloom. They bloom with the other roses in early summer, then cease for a while, then make a fresh season of bloom, and thus through the summer and autumn, differing entirely from the Bourbon and Bengal Roses, which grow and bloom continually through the summer. In order, therefore, to avoid confusion, we have deemed it best to adopt the French term, Remontant.
Fig. 1.—REMONTANT ROSE.
These roses have generally been obtained by hybridization between the Hybrid China and Damask, and the Bourbon and China Roses, uniting the luxuriant growth and hardy character of the former two with the ever-blooming qualities of the latter. They are generally large, double, very fragrant, and bloom, some of them, freely throughout the season. They are also perfectly hardy, and grow well in any climate without protection. These qualities render them very desirable, and they are fast driving out of cultivation the Garden Roses, which bloom but once, and during the rest of the season cumber the ground. There are, it is true, among the latter, some varieties, like Madame Plantier, Chénédole, Persian Yellow, and others, that are not equaled by any varieties existing among the Remontants. Such, however, is the skill now exerted by rose growers, that this will not long be the case, and we may hope soon to have among the Remontants, roses of every shade of color, with the snow-like whiteness of Madame Plantier, the golden richness of Persian Yellow, or the peculiar brilliancy of Chénédole.