ROSES 



409 



ROSES 



One of the most satisfactory features of horticulture in the 

 tropics is the fact that Roses the "Queen of Mowers" can, with 

 careful attention and selection of suitable varieties, be grown with 

 a wonderful degree of success, not only in the hills, but also at all 

 elevations down to sea-level. In the tropics, roses can usually be 

 had in blossom all the year round, and in up-country gardens the 

 size and quality of the blooms is frequently such as would compare 

 well with those produced in temperate countries. Unfortunately, 

 however, in equatorial regions, especially at low elevations, roses 

 usually lack not only size and form of bloom, but also much of 

 the delightful fragrance which is so characteristic of these flowers 

 in cooler climes. 



The following hints may be considered as preliminaries to 

 -success in growing roses : Choose a site with full exposure to the 

 sun, shade from trees or houses being detrimental to the plants ; 

 protection from wind is necessary in the hills. A medium loamy 

 soil with a clay sub-soil is best, while light sandy soils are the least 

 suitable. Perfect drainage at the roots is essential. A liberal 

 quantity of manure (preferably cow-manure in a well-decomposed 

 state) should be worked into the soil, and the plants may be plant- 

 ed about 4 ft. apart each way in rows. If the land be flat, the soil 



