SINGLE ROSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 998, 14 June 1930, Page 30

SINGLE ROSES

LEND GRACE AND BEAUTY The introduction of single roses years ago gave us a new class. It cannot be said that they were received with open arms, as at that time single blossoms were looked upon as unorthodox, and not a little prejudice stood in the way of their popularity. But this only obtained for a while, as they won their way into many a garden and captivated gardeners who at first had been indifferent to them. One has only to pay a visit to a few shows where roses are exhibited to be convinced of the fact that they have now reached a high standard of excellence, and have certainly come to stay. Particularly is this to be seen among table decoration exhibits, their light graceful blossoms earning for them commendations from the public thronging the place where they are displayed. ROSES FOR THE HOME Just as they attract by the simplicity of their blossoms, so do they appeal to that wider circle of growers who love to have their rooms and tables made bright and tasteful by roses that ask but simple culture, and are not judged by size of individual flowers. Some of them, as we know, are to be admired for the beauty of blooms growing on dwarf plants; others give us lavishly of charming clusters nestling amid green leaves on pergola or arch; while one may, if it is desired, have porches or window frames garlanded with flowers that are a joy to behold.

Unlike some other flowering plants —the chrysanthemum, for example—roses do not rise and fall in popularity in a few years, and it speaks much for single roses when it is remembered that some of the varieties first introduced are with us still, and enjoy a good measure of popularity.

SINGLE ROSES FOR VARIOUS POSITIONS

A consideration of single roses, and their value for different positions in a garden, is suggested, and to those who are favourable to growing dwarf sorts in beds of one colour, the singles cannot fail to appeal, as they are noted for their lavish output and diversity of colours.

For beds and borders we have, among singles, some that are very charming, and, in thinking of sorts in my own garden, one cannot but remember how much we owe to Irish firms like Messrs. Dickson and Sons and Messrs. McGredy and Son for their introduction. Some half a dozen are to be found in

Hybrj'd Teas. Irish Elegance, orange scarlet. Irish Beauty, pure white. Irish Brightness, crimson, shaded pink.

Irish Glory, rose pink. Irish Fireflame, orange, flushed crimson. Irish Afterglow, tangerine in the bud, opening to a tint best described as crushed strawberry. Two others from Messrs. McGredy and Son are worthy of note—lsobel, a dwarf of vigorous growth, with long tapering carmine buds which develop into large flowers of great beauty, and Ethel James, of more recent introduction, dwarfer than the preceding, the flowers larger, embracing tints of orange and flame and carmine, an altogether beautiful variety. Of course, it is generally understood that roses for cutting should be selected and gathered first thing in the morning, while the dew is upon them if possible, and this applies particularly to the singles. SINGLE ROSES AS CLIMBERS AND FOR PILLARS Attractive as single roses are when grown in beds and borders, they are even more so when used for covering walls, fences, pergolas, and the like in and about a garden. In this connection one’s mind reverts to sorts like Blush Rambler, that for nearly a quarter of a century has never failed, summer by summer, to yield masses of its apple blossom-iike clusters in the greatest profusion. Mention has already been made of Carmine Pillar, and American Pillar, with flowers of

a rose pink borne in clusters, blooming at midsummer, and lasting for weeks, is never more at home than when clothing a pillar or arch. It is upward of 25 years since Hiawatha first made its appearance, a valuable climber among the singles On purchasing it from a local nurseryman, he expressed his opinion that it lasted in'bloom longer than any other variety. It has lived up to its reputation, as it is not unusual for the trusses to remain in good condition for three or four weeks. In colour it is a deep crimson, with yellow anthers. When the anthers drop it leaves a white centre.

A garden where roses are grown cannot in these days be regarded as complete without some of the singles. Their colours are varied, and their form charming. Single roses look most effective either for house decora tion or for clothing a pergola or arch