II 



HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION 



21 



best-known varieties are Amaclis or Crimson, and 

 Gracilis. 



The Banhsian Rose (R. Banksiae). — This is a very 

 distinct species, said to have been introduced from 

 China early in the century, and named after Lady 

 Banks. The plants grow very strongly, but are not 

 hardy, and are liable to be killed outright in severe 

 frost, even on a south wall. There are only two 

 varieties worth growing — the Yellow, with very small, 

 but full, scentless flowers, produced in great abundance 

 in clusters, and the White, with rather larger flowers, 

 most deliciously and characteristically scented, the 

 odour being compared to that of violets, but fewer of 

 them. The plants, which are nearly evergreen in mild 

 winters, should be very little pruned (see page 88) ; 

 perhaps the best way is to shorten a little in the 

 summer those shoots that have bloomed, cutting out 

 all gross and sappy wood that is not wanted. 



The Polyantha Rose (R. multiflora). — The varieties 

 of this class, which bloom only once, are single. These 

 are — Polyantha simplex, a great grower, now being 

 tested as a stock for Tea Roses, and apparently with 

 good result both as a seedling and a cutting; and 

 P. grandiflora, similar but with much larger single 

 flowers. To the multiflora class belongs also another 

 Rose used as a stock for strong-growing Teas, De la 

 Grifferaie, only noted for its growth and consequent 

 root-power. 



There are several other species of Roses which bloom 

 only once, a list of the most interesting being given in 

 the N.R.S. Catalogue. They are single in flower, and 

 really only of value to the botanist or collector. 



