Parsons on the Rose / A Treatise on the Propagation, Culture and History of the Rose

by Samuel Browne Parsons

Fig. 2.—BOURBON ROSE.

It was introduced into France by Jacques, head gardener of the Duke of Orleans, at Neuilly, who received it in 1819 from Bréon, director of the Royal gardens in the Isle of Bourbon. The following account of its origin is given by Bréon, and is also mentioned by Rivers:

“At the Isle of Bourbon, the inhabitants generally inclose their land with hedges made of two rows of roses; one row of the common China Rose, the other of the Red Four Seasons. M. Perichon, a planter in the island, found in one of these hedges a young plant, differing very much from the others in its shoots and foliage. This he transplanted into his garden. It flowered the following year, and proved to be of a new race, and very different from the above two roses, which at that time were the only varieties known in the island.”

Its resemblance to the Bengal Rose was, however, so strong, that it was soon considered a variety of that species. Its characteristics are, however, so entirely different from the Bengal, that we give it a separate place in our garden classification. To the French we owe nearly all the varieties of this class which have been produced from the original semi-double rose, or Bourbon Jacques, as it was called. Of these varieties, the following are distinct, and possess many charming qualities that cannot fail to gratify the amateur.

Acidalie.—One of the best light roses, being sometimes light blush, and at others white. Its autumnal bloom is its best.

Appoline.—A vigorous grower; its color is rose and pink.

Dr. Berthet.—Brilliant cherry red; large, full, and good.

George Peabody.—Medium, full, well formed; purplish crimson; fragrant; a moderate grower, but one of the best of its class.

Hermosa.—An old variety, but still one of the very best of this group. Its form is cupped, very double and perfect, and no rose blooms more abundantly, either forced or in the open ground. Its color is delicate rose. The plant is of medium growth, and well adapted for grouping or for planting in beds with Mrs. Bosanquet and Agrippina.