32 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



ROSA CENTIPOLIA, 

 Group VII.— THE MOSS ROSE. 



The history of the Moss Rose is wrapped in obscurity. It was first introduced 

 to England from Holland ; and it is generally believed that it was a sport from 

 the Provence Rose ; that it was not originated by seed, as most new varieties are, 

 but by a branch of the Provence Rose sporting, as it is termed, — that is, producing 

 flowers differing in character and habit from others of its own nature, — flowers 

 enveloped in moss. Some tribes of plants are more disposed to sport than others ; 

 and the Provence and Moss Roses possess this peculiar property to a remarkable 

 degree. I have seen the White Moss bearing at the same time, and on the same 

 plant, red, white, and variegated flowers. I have also seen the Perpetual Moss, 

 whose flowers should be white, produce pink flowers, entirely destitute of moss. 

 I am informed, and think it probable, that the Moss Unique was first obtained 

 in this manner : a branch of the White Provence Rose produced flowers enveloped 

 in moss ; the branch was propagated from ; and the plants so propagated pro- 

 duced flowers retaining their mossy characteristic. 



Like many others, the group now before us has been much improved of late 

 years : many of the old varieties, formerly so much esteemed, though possessed of 

 but few petals, and almost destitute of form and fragrance, are now quietly 

 departing to give place to more perfect kinds. A remarkable illustration of the 

 effects of hybridizing is met with here. There have been introduced lately some 

 Moss Roses of the most vigorous growth, with shining foliage; and others bearing 

 flowers in the autumn. The former have been produced by crossing the Moss 

 with the Hybrid Chinese Roses, or vice versa : the latter by bringing together 

 the Moss and Perpetual. (See Article Hybridizing.) 



The Perpetual Moss we refer to a separate group (Class II. Autumnal Roses) : 

 the others we retain with the original group, merely marking them as hybrids. 

 Besides these, there are some varieties possessing some of the characters of the 

 French Rose. Such are Celina and Luxembourg. 



Moss Roses require high cultivation ; some are of delicate growth, and will 

 only flourish in a kindly soil ; others are very hardy ; but all, whether hardy or 

 delicate, delight in a rich soil. But few of the Moss Roses are well adapted for 

 Standards : it is true that many will exist as such, but they merely suffer exist- 

 ence ; they cannot be said to flourish. The Moss should be grown either on their 

 own roots, or budded on short stems (the latter is preferable in most cases), and 

 should be closely pruned. Exceptions may be made to this rule, which will be 

 noticed in describing the varieties. 



If we except the common Moss, we do not consider this group well suited 

 either for pot-culture or for forcing. Their distinctness, however, stands forth 

 prominently in their favour ; and in large collections it is worth while to introduce 



