Roses in Pots. 133 



CHAPTER X. 



On the Cultivation of Roses in Pots. 



T T 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 it is consequently 

 gaining a still wider circle of cultivators and admirers. This furnishes no matter for 

 wonderment 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 

 particular cultivation. The length of time the varieties continue in bloom ; the 

 delicious 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 is still 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 suffer seriously from 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, 

 whereas they 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. 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. Five months may be allowed as their natural period of blooming out of 

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

 will prolong the blooming season till February, and during this and the three 

 following months forced Roses may be obtained in beauty and abundance. 



