Part 12

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.