The Mtcrophylla or Small-Leaved Rose. 273 



Rosa (Lowea) Berberifolia. 



GROUP XXVIII.-THE BERBERRY-LEAVED ROSE. 



The Rosa Berberifolia is a native of Persia and Chinese Tartary. It was intro- 

 duced in 1790. In the north of Persia it grows so plentifully that it is used for fire- 

 wood, but it has always been a delicate plant in England. Lindley, in the " Rosarum 

 Monographia," says " Possibly the soil in which it grows wild being salt may afford 

 a hint to those who may again have an opportunity of cultivating it." Monsieur 

 Hardy, formerly of the Jardin du Luxembourg, succeeded in raising a hybrid from 

 R. involucrata crossed with this species, which bears his name ; it is exceedingly 

 pretty and distinct, but somewhat difficult of cultivation, although at one time I had 

 more than a thousand plants of it 



1. BERBERIFOLIA; flowers yellow, with crimson spot, small and single. 



2. BERBERIFOLIA HARDII ; flowers yellow, with a dark chocolate spot at the 

 bottom of each petal, small and single. Pretty and distinct. 



Rosa Microphylla. 



GROUP XXIX. THE MICROPHYLLA OR SMALL-LEAVED ROSE. 



This Rose is a native of the Himalaya Mountains and also of China, and was 

 introduced to England in 1828. It is a decided curiosity. The leaves are composed 

 of numerous small leaflets, sometimes as many as fifteen ranging on the sides of the 

 petiole ; the branches are of a whitish brown, the outer bark often pealing off in 

 Autumn ; they are almost destitute of prickles, but the broad sepals of the calyx are 

 densely covered with them, owing to which the flower-buds are as rough as a hedge- 

 hog. The Microphylla appears to delight in a warm sandy soil ; it is rather tender, 

 and requires a wall to ensure the production of its flowers in full beauty. It requires 

 very little pruning. No varieties have yet been raised to surpass the original. 



1. Du LUXEMBOURG; flowers deep pink, shaded with blush, large and full; form 

 cupped ; habit branching ; growth moderate. 



2. MA SURPRISE ; flowers white, rosy centres, shaded with salmon, large, full, and 

 sweet ; growth vigorous. 



3. RUBRA, OLD OR COMMON; flowers rosy carmine, margined with blush, large 

 and full ; form globular ; habit branching ; growth moderate. 



4. TRIOMPHE DE MACHETEAUX ; flowers blush, edged with rose, large and full. 

 Y 



