Part 3

Our figure represents a delicate Pale Variety, of the common, old, (but ever favourite) species, taken from the nursery of Mr. Shailer of Little Chelsea, and at present considered as a rare plant; but which we regard as only a variety of colour, considering the latitude of growth to which Roses in general are subject, and the present species in particular, whose beautiful original when cultivated in a pot instead of the open ground experiences a diminution both in its mossy character and the brilliance of its colour, but frequently acquires a much more graceful habit from the confinement of its situation: and as the Rose is as much noticed under this treatment as in any other mode of culture, the Author has carefully selected from a number of fine specimens one of luxuriant but rapid growth; that, aided by its rich and higher coloured original, may serve as a criterion to ascertain the variety of form and character with which it may at different times meet the eye.

ROSA Bella Donna.

_Maiden’s-blush Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus ovatis, pedunculisque hispidis: floribus confertis, pallide carneis: foliis patentibus: foliolis lato-ovatis, acuminatis: caule et petiolis aculeatis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with egg-shaped seed-buds, and hispid peduncles. Flowers crowded, of a pale flesh colour. Leaves spreading. Leaflets broadly egg-shaped and sharp-pointed. Stem and petioles prickly.

* * * * *

There cannot be a Rose better known than this delicate species, under the title of The Maiden’s Blush. It is considered, among the Garden Roses, as the second in progressive routine from the wild species, but must certainly be ranked among the first in beauty. Our figure represents what is called the Clustered variety; an appellation we have not adopted, as it would have compelled us to have given two other nominal varieties; the one, whose flowers are rather smaller; the other, with flowers less crowded. But when the latitude of growth that appertains to this luxuriant tribe is considered, they may with propriety be regarded as the variations of culture only.

During the months of July and August this Rose is in the greatest perfection. We have frequently remarked the foliage of this Rose, upon most old plants, to be of a very dark or blackish green; but, on the younger ones, to be nearly the same in colour as the minor variety.

ROSA Bella Donna; _Var. flore minore_.

_Maidens-blush Rose; Small-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus ovatis, pedunculisque hispidis: floribus numerosis parvulis, pallide carneis: foliis patentibus: foliolis ovatis, acuminatis: caule et petiolis aculeatis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with egg-shaped seed-buds, and hispid peduncles. Flowers numerous, smallish, and of a pale flesh colour. Leaves spreading. Leaflets egg-shaped and pointed. Stem and petioles prickly.

* * * * *

This minor Variety of the Maiden’s Blush, like the larger one, is said to possess two equally trivial variations. The only observable distinction in this variety is the very small size of its flowers, compared with the preceding figure. Yet, as it delineates the latitude of growth annexed to this species, it stands in no great need of an apology. But how we could have apologized, in a satisfactory manner, for the introduction of four more intermediate varieties, we know not; but rather think we must have borrowed the specific character of the present species, and blushed for their intrusion. The specific we have adopted is only retained among cultivators for this minor Variety, doubtless with the intention of preserving an appearance of greater distinction.

From fine plants in the nursery of Messrs. Whitley, this species has been delineated.

ROSA inermis.

_Rose without Thorns._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa inermis, germinibus oblongis: pedunculis petiolisque hispidis: corollis saturate rubropurpureis: foliis glabris: foliolis ovatis, acutis, serratis: caule ramisque glabris: fructibus pendulis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose unarmed, with oblong seed-buds, and hispid petioles and peduncles. Blossoms of a deep red purple. Leaves smooth. Leaflets ovate, sharp-pointed, and sawed at the edges. Stem and branches smooth. Fruit pendulous.

* * * * *

This thornless Rose may be almost considered as the exception to an otherwise general rule. A specific so unequivocally good seldom occurs; and yet this Rose, in the Hortus Kewensis, bears the name of _pendulina_, from its pendulous fruit; a character common to several other species. But had we not found this Rose to be as well known under the name of _inermis_, as by the title of _pendulina_, we should not (although for the better) have thought ourselves so well justified in altering it; regarding names of no further value than as they give us the most immediate direction to any object we may be in search of. It is an early-blooming Rose with single-flowers of the finest purple colour; and frequently blooms a second time in the autumn; but its flowers then are not so large as in the early part of the season.

Our figure was drawn from a large plant in the nursery of Mr. Shailer.

ROSA lucida.

_Shining-leaved or Macartney Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus globosis, lucidis, et sericeis, ad basin bracteis sericeis dentatis instructis: floribus albis: foliis buxeis: foliolis sub-ovatis, serrulatis, lucidis: pedunculis et petiolis aculeatissimis: caule aculeatissimo, tomentoso: ramis flexuosis, patentibus.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with round seed-buds, shining, and silky, furnished at the base with silky toothed floral leaves. Flowers white. Leaves resembling box. Leaflets nearly egg-shaped, finely sawed, and shining. Peduncles and petioles very prickly. Stem very prickly and downy. Branches flexuose and spreading.

* * * * *

This perfectly distinct species of Rose was introduced from China to this country by Lord Macartney, on his return from his embassy to that court. It is perfectly known under the title of Macartney Rose, and also by the name of _lucida_, which we have retained: not that we think it is the best name that might have been applied; for _lucida_ is by no means the exclusive character of the present species, and the appellative of _buxifolia_ or _bracteata_ would have been more appropriate, as they could not have been well applied to any other Rose at present known. But, probably, at a future period, some variety of this species, either imported or cultivated in this country, may enable us to make use of these specifics.

Our figure was taken from a luxuriant specimen of this fine training Rose, communicated by the Hon. W. Irby.

ROSA canina; _Var. flore pleno_.

_Dog-Rose; Double-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus rotundatis, pedunculisque glabris: floribus semi-duplicibus: petalis exteriorbus albicantibus, patentibus: interioribus pallide incarnatis, et apertis: caule et petiolis aculeatis: ramis gracilibus, flexuosis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with roundish seed-buds, and smooth peduncles. Flowers semi-double: the outer petals are whitish, and spreading: the inner are of a pale flesh colour, and unclosed. The stem and petioles are prickly. Branches slender, and flexuose.

* * * * *

This elegant little Rose is a most desirable variety of the wild species, and would be extremely ornamental if trained against a wall. We have not been able to learn for certain by whom it was first cultivated, but are inclined to think it the spontaneous effusion of nature unassisted by art; and are rather surprised that it should not have become long before now an object of general culture: but, as we understand it is rather shy of flowering, that in some measure accounts for an otherwise apparent neglect of beauty. We have no doubt, however, when it becomes abundantly cultivated, it may also prove a plant of freer bloom. From the light, airy, graceful character of its flowers, we are convinced that to be sought after it need but to be seen.

Our figure was made from the only plant we have ever seen in bloom, at the nursery of Messrs. Whitley and Brames.

ROSA canina, _variegata_.

_Variegated-leaved Dog-Rose_.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus globosis, glabris: pedunculis leviter hispidis: floribus albis, tenuibus: foliis variegatis: foliolis ovatis, acutis, serratis: ramis patentibus: caule humili vel repente.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with round seed-buds, smooth. Peduncles slightly hispid. Flowers white, and thin. Leaves variegated. Leaflets ovate, sharp-pointed, and sawed. Branches spreading. Stem low or creeping.

* * * * *

This little Rose is an evident variety of the wild species, and certainly no great beauty; yet, as a perfectly distinct Rose, it has a greater claim to notice than half the supposed novelties of the present day (combined) could boast. Its variegated leaves give a singularity to its appearance: from its extreme low growth and very spreading branches it may literally be said to creep upon the ground; and which may be rather considered as an addition to the appearance of the plant, by the relief its small white blossoms experience, contrasted with the sombre earth on which they are spread. The duration of the bloom is much longer than might be expected from their extremely thin delicate texture; there is a pretty good succession of flowers: and during the months of July and August they make a lively appearance.

From a plant in the nursery of Messrs. Colville, our figure was taken.

ROSA Portlandia.

_Portland Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus ovatis: pedunculis petiolisque hispidis: floribus coccineis: aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis: foliolis ovatis, luteolo-virentibus, subtus villosis; serratulis glandulosis. Rami patentes, albo-virescentes.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with egg-shaped seed-buds. Peduncles and petioles hispid. Flowers scarlet-coloured; prickles of the branches scattered and straight. Leaflets ovate, of a yellowish green, villose beneath, with glandular serratures. Branches spreading, of a whitish green.

* * * * *

This Rose is perfectly well known under the appellation of the Portland Rose; a title it is said to have received in compliment to the late Duchess of Portland, a great admirer of this charming tribe of plants, and in whose collection at Bulstrode they were cultivated in great luxuriance. It is a fine scarlet Rose, of a most brilliant appearance, far above comparison with any effort of art. It appears to have the compound character of three different plants: in growth and flower, like the _Gallica officinalis_; in foliage, like the Province; with seed-buds and peduncles more resembling the Damask species. Yet with all these affinities it seems to possess a perfectly distinct character, and may be easily distinguished from most other Roses by the fiery colour of its flowers: the stalks are of a whiter green, and the foliage of a yellower green, than Roses in general. It continues in successive bloom from the middle of summer till late in autumn.

Our figure was made from a plant in the nursery of Messrs. Colville.

ROSA Pennsylvanica; _Var. flore pleno_.

_Pennsylvanian Rose; Double-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus globosis, pedunculisque hispidis: foliis patentibus: foliolis ovatis, acuminatis, serratis, glabris: spinis ramorum oppositis, rectis, rubris. Caulis humilis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with round seed-buds, and hispid peduncles. Leaves spreading. Leaflets of an ovate form, sharp-pointed, sawed, and smooth. The thorns of the branches opposite, straight, and red. Stem low.

* * * * *

This delicate little Rose is a most desirable variety, as it continues in bloom all the summer, and is amongst those few that do not retire till late in autumn. It is of a dwarf growth, inclinable to spread, and sometimes almost creep upon the ground. In dry weather, the sun frequently extracts so much of the colour from the outer petals as to leave them almost bleached; which gives a comparatively richer appearance to the centre. It then bears some resemblance, in its flowers, to the larger Pompone Rose.

The powerful transition it has experienced, from single to completely double flowers, gives it a very different aspect from its original; but in every other particular it is closely allied. Its bloom is durable, and succession abundant. We however rather think it is of a tender habit, not having seen any large plants of it.

Our figure was taken from a luxuriant plant at the nursery of Mr. Williams, at Turnham Green.

ROSA alba, _semi-duplex_.

_Semi-double White Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus ovatis, glabris: pedunculis hispidis: floribus albis, semi-duplicibus: foliis sub-glaucis: foliolis ovatis, acutis, ad margines serratis: caulis erecto-patens, superne sub-glaber, ad basin aculeis rigidis instructus.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with smooth, egg-shaped seed-buds, and hispid peduncles. Flowers white, and semi-double. Leaves nearly of a glaucous green. Leaflets broadly egg-shaped, sharp-pointed, with serrated margins. Stem between erect and spreading, nearly smooth on the upper part, but furnished with strong spines towards the base.

* * * * *

This semi-double Rose so nearly resembles the single in its habit and foliage, that it can only be regarded as a florescent variety; for, when the plant is not in bloom, it is scarcely possible to distinguish the one from the other: but when in flower it certainly forms a very distinct appearance from its original, and is by far the more desirable plant: not that its beauty is by any means considerable; but as it preserves a regular progressive approach to completely double flowers, (generally regarded as the perfection of the plant,) it is on that account particularly estimable. Like its original, it is only retained by those who wish to have every distinct Rose, to form a complete collection. Its flowers are of a fine white, but not of long continuance. The foliage is of a blueish or glaucous green. In habit, its native origin (the wild species) is very discernible. It is at present rather a scarce plant, from not possessing attraction sufficient to recommend it as an object of general culture.

ROSA spinosissima, _rubra_; _Var. flore pleno_.

_Red Thorny Rose; Double-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus sub-globosis, glabris: pedunculis hispidis: floribus semi-duplicibus, incarnatis: foliis patentibus: foliolis ovatis, costatis, crenatis: caule et petiolis aculeatissimis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with nearly round seed-buds, smooth. Peduncles hispid. Flowers semi-double, and flesh-coloured. Leaves spreading. Leaflets ovate, ribbed, and notched at the edges. Stem and petioles very prickly.

* * * * *

This fine semi-double Rose is generally known by the appellation of the Double Red Scotch. It is evidently a thorny Rose, and powerfully resembles the _spinosissima_ in most particulars except the flowers, whose pale delicate character reminds us so much of the _Indica_, that, were a flower detached from the plant, and compared with that ever-blooming species in a confined mode of culture, the resemblance would be found considerable. How or by whom it was first cultivated, we have not been able to learn with any degree of certainty: it must, therefore, with several other unavoidable deficiencies of the same description, pass on till the conclusion of the work, when we shall be better enabled to fill up these little chasms--at the same time that we give a Dissertation on the Genus.

Our figure was made from fine plants in the nursery of Messrs. Whitley and Brames.

ROSA Indica rubra.

_Red Indian Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus subrotundis, pedunculisque leviter hispidis, glabris, et nitidis: floribus rubris, magnis, odoratis: foliis glabris, nitidis, et atro-purpureo-viridibus: petiolis aculeatis: foliolis oblongis, et margine serratis: caule viridi, glabro, ad basin spinis rubris.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with roundish seed-buds, and peduncles slightly hispid, smooth, and shining: flowers red, large, and sweet-scented: leaves smooth, shining, and of a dark purply green colour: petioles prickly: leaflets oblong, and sawed at the edges: stem green, smooth, with red thorns on the lower part.

* * * * *

The Indica rubra is regarded as the finest of the ever-blooming China Roses. By some it is thought to be a distinct species, from the dark colour and smaller size of its foliage: but this is most likely the effect of its recent importation; and, when it becomes more familiarised to our climate, may in part if not totally disappear. As a variety of the Indica we think it may with propriety be considered, from the flowers being sometimes found as pale as that species: a circumstance that has not as yet occurred in the semperflorens already figured, although it has been so many years in cultivation with us; and which would doubtless have sometimes been the case, had it not been a distinct species, as permanence of character, either in shape or colour, can never be expected to characterize mere varieties.

It was introduced last summer from China by T. Evans, esq. of Stepney, and flowered first at the nursery of Messrs. Colville.

ROSA Indica, _minor_.

_Small Indian Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus subrotundis, pedunculisque leviter hispidis, glabris: floribus parvis, carneis, semperflorentibus: foliis glabris: petiolis aculeatis: foliolis oblongis, acutis, margine serrulatis, glabris: caule viridi, ad basin spinis rubris.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with roundish seed-buds, and peduncles slightly hispid and smooth: flowers small, flesh-coloured, and ever-blooming: leaves smooth, and petioles prickly: leaflets oblong, pointed, with finely serrated edges, and smooth: stem green, with red thorns on the lower part.

* * * * *

This delicate little Rose was raised from seed of the Rosa Indica by Mr. Colville, and can only be regarded as a variety of that favourite species: but every material variation of a Rose that is in continual bloom, will most probably be considered equally as interesting, as the more specific distinction of any other whose beauty is lost to us above half the year. The very short time this variety has been in cultivation with us, precludes at present the possibility of ascertaining with accuracy the latitude of its growth: as yet we have not seen any plant above twice the size our figure represents, and never with larger flowers; but frequently in very small plants the blossoms have scarcely been an inch in diameter.

ROSA Provincialis; _Var. flore pleno_.

_Province Rose; Double-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa geriminibus subglobosis, pedunculisque hispidis et glandulosis: floribus saturate carneis, odoratissimis: foliolis ovatis, acutis, serratis, et subtus villosis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with nearly round seed-buds, and peduncles hispid and glandular: flowers of a deep flesh-colour, and very sweet-scented: leaflets egg-shaped, pointed, sawed, and villose beneath.

* * * * *

This Rose is one of the most abundant, and, from being extremely common, is perhaps best known, but the least valued. Yet, if fragrance and beauty were instead of scarcity to fix a price, very few would be deserving of a higher sum.

We have sometimes seen this fine Rose, in well cultivated luxuriant plants, acquire the height of nearly fifteen feet, adorning the front of a house in a most elegant manner during the summer months.

Rosa Provincialis, _nana_.

_Dwarf Province Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus sub-globosis, pedunculisque hispidis et glandulosis: foliolis ovatis, margine serratis, subtus villosis: floribus læte rubris, odoratis: caulis humilis, aculeis ramorum sparsis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with nearly round seed-buds, and peduncles hispid and glandular: leaflets egg-shaped, sawed at the edges, and villous beneath: flowers of a fine red colour, and sweet-scented: stem low: the prickles of the branches are scattered.

* * * * *

This Province Rose, of humble stature, is very sweetly scented. The flowers are rather small, but very compact, and of a fine colour. We have observed it for three successive summers, and have not perceived any very material alteration in its character: but such is the latitude in growth of this fine tribe, that it would not be possible to prescribe exact bounds to the size, or limits to the height, of some luxuriant plants in a rich congenial soil; and if under such circumstances this Rose should be found to exceed our present delineation of it, there is little doubt but amongst all the other varieties it would still be found (comparatively) a dwarf plant.

ROSA alba.

_White Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus ovatis, glabris: pedunculis hispidis: floribus albis: foliolis ovatis, acutis, ad margines serratis, subtus leviter tomentosis: caulis erecto-patens, superne sub-glaber, ad basin aculeis rigidis instructus.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with smooth egg-shaped seed-buds and hispid peduncles: flowers white: leaflets ovate and pointed, with serrated margins, slightly downy on the under side: stem between erect and spreading, nearly smooth on the upper part, but furnished with strong spines towards the base.

* * * * *

This Rose is a native of Britain, and considered as the first on the list of Garden Roses removed from the common Hedge or Dog Rose, its charming wild original. The flowers are very fugitive, so soon falling off that a specimen in fine bloom is not easily procured. It is the source of several fine varieties, and flowers during the summer months, but is in very few collections.

ROSA Caroliniana; _Var. flore pleno_.

_Great Burnet-leaved Carolina Rose; Double-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus globosis pedunculisque hispidis: petiolis aculeatis: foliolis oblongis, acutis, serratis, nitidis: floribus carneis, in centro inapertis: caule glabro: spinis ramorum sparsis et oppositis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with round seed-buds and hispid peduncles: petioles prickly: the leaflets are oblong, sharp-pointed, sawed, and shining: flowers flesh-coloured, and unopened in the middle: stem smooth: the spines of the branches are scattered and opposite.

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