CHAPTER VITT. 



ON THE CULTIVATION OF ROSES IN POTS. 



It is no longer said that the Rose is intractable as a Pot-plant ; indeed, it is now 

 sufficiently established that it is perfectly suited for such, and is consequently gain- 

 ing a still wider circle of patrons and admirers. This furnishes no matter for won- 

 derment, if we consider, that, in its present improved state, it possesses, in a greater 

 or less degree, every quality that could be wished for in a plant designed for par- 

 ticular cultivation. The length of time the varieties continue in bloom ; the deli- 

 cious fragrance of the flowers ; their richness and beauty ; their elegant mode of 

 growth and handsome foliage ; — such a combination of desirable properties must 

 necessarily secure for it a large share of favour. 



The question has been, and still is occasionally put to us, What advantage is 

 gained by growing Roses in pots ? The same question might be asked with equal 

 propriety respecting any class of hardy or half-hardy plants. But we reply to it, 

 by appealing to the unprejudiced judgment of horticulturists, by asking them 

 whether the withdrawal of Pot-Roses from our greenhouses, parterres, forcing- 

 houses, and horticultural fetes, would not cause a very obvious blank. We think 

 it would ; and if so, it cannot be altogether folly to grow them in this manner. 

 But there are more cogent reasons for the practice. Some of the delicate and more 

 beautiful kinds have their flowers bruised and spoiled, even in summer, by the 

 winds and rains of our unsettled climate, and many are incapable of enduring the 

 cold of winter. Then, again, in some soils, as in low wet places, and in some 

 localities, as in the neighbourhood of large towns, these same sorts will scarcely 

 grow when planted out in the open air, but flourish and flower well when grown 

 in pots under glass. It is such kinds we recommend principally for Pot-culture, 

 introducing others merely to increase the variety. And surely the objects are 

 worthy of this especial care. What other plants will conduce more to the enli- 

 venment of the greenhouse ? What others fill it with such a grateful perfume ? 

 I regard the Autumnals especially as of rare worth for greenhouse culture ; for, 

 by keeping three distinct sets of plants, we may ensure Roses all the year 

 round. Six months may be allowed as their natural period of bloomino- out of 

 doors, from June to October inclusive ; then the shelter of a frame or greenhouse 



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