CHAPTER XII 



CHINA ROSES 



These delightful roses are more generally known as 

 " Monthly Roses," for the reason that they are prac- 

 tically ever-blooming, as, indeed, are the Tea roses that 

 originated from the same species, Rosa indica. 



They are really perpetual flowering in a suitable 

 climate, but with us they cannot, of course, withstand 

 frosts, hence we only have them in bloom from May 

 to December. Individually, their blossoms are rather 

 insignificant, and even some of the newer creations are 

 flimsy, yet they possess a simple beauty that proves 

 irresistible, and are well worth massing in beds or borders. 



The Common Pink is the hardiest, and it is more 

 generally planted than any other variety. It flowers 

 so persistently that blossoms may be cut practically any 

 day between May and November. Rosarians would do 

 well to plant the Common Pink China more frequently 

 against the posts or pillars of pergolas over which 

 summer-flowering roses are trained. It would continue 

 to give flowers long after the Ramblers had faded. 

 Although not strictly a climber, the Common Pink 

 China, if very lightly pruned, soon grows several feet 

 high. It associates with Madame Laurette Messimy to 

 form a delightful hedge about four feet high. 



IOO 



