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THE CULTIVATION OF ROSES IN T POTS. 
THE CULTIVATION OF ROSES IN POTS.—FIRST SEASON. 
By Mr. J. SAUL, Durdham Down Nursery, Bristol. 
17T is only within the last few years that the cultivation of the Rose in pots has been attempted, and 
A the beautiful specimens now shown annually at the London fetes by the great Rose growers, and 
amateurs, have proved how admirably these plants are adapted for the purpose. Withdraw these 
splendid collections from the shows of May and June, and a blank will be left not easily filled up ; for 
if anv one feature in these assemblages of beautv is more inviting or attractive than another, it is the 
Roses of superlative beauty, which are admired by all. Now, although in the neighbourhood of Lon¬ 
don these beautiful collections are to be seen, yet at the provincial shows such collections are very 
rare, evidently showing that their cultivation through the country, as pot plants, is limited—very 
limited indeed ; though they are much easier grown, and at less expense, than a collection of Gera¬ 
niums or Fuchsias, as I shall endeavour to show. 
In commencing their culture, I would advise that all the strong growing varieties be procured in 
the autumn. By strong growers, I mean such as the varieties of Hybrid Provence, Hybrid China, 
Hybrid Bourbon, French, Moss, Alba, Hybrid Perpetual, the strong growing Bourbons, and Noisettes; 
in a word, all such as are strong growers, and are usually worked upon stocks in the nursery quarters. 
The delicate Bourbons and Noisettes, together with the Teas and Chinas, should be left to be procured 
in spring. When the Roses are had home in the autumn, examine the stocks minutely, particularly 
among the roots, cutting out any decayed parts, knots, the remains or rudiments of suckers, topping any 
wounded or bruised roots, and having all well looked over before they are potted, as no such opportunity 
will offer again. I would cut back the head about a third; this I consider sufficient for the present ; 
about the end of February or beginning of March they must be cut back to from two to four eyes. 
The soil I prefer is good turfy loam, rather stiff or adhesive, and well decomposed cow-dung, used 
in about equal parts. With these two simple ingredients, Roses may be grown fit to grace the grand 
Exhibition of 1851. I am aware some of the best Rose growers of the day use burnt earth with 
advantage: this I have also used rather extensively, also charcoal; but from neither could I see the 
least advantage derived; on the contrary, the plants never thrive so well as those potted in the simple 
mixture of loam and cow-dung. I need scarcely remark, it should be used very rough, merely chopping 
the loam in rough pieces. In potting, let the pots be well drained, with at least from one inch to one 
and a-half inch of broken crocks, used in large rough pieces, having the concave side downwards. The 
pots should not be over large, from six to eight inches inside the rims will be sufficient, according to 
the size of the plant, the condition of its roots, &c. 
When potted they should be plunged to their rims in coal-ashes, or any garden soil, on an inverted 
flower-pot, leaving a cavity underneath each to prevent the ingress of worms. In this state they may 
remain until about the middle of May, when they will require a shift. The same soil as before should 
be used, but if possible more rough ; and they should be again plunged as before. Through the 
summer they will require constant attention as to watering, &c. ; they should have liquid manure at 
least once a week, using soft water at other times. The sort of liquid manure I prefer is the drainage 
of dunghills, sheep or cow-dung steeped, the water of which should be used clear; in fact, any good, 
rich, liquid manure. Guano is excellent, but it requires very great caution in using, from its variability 
as to quality; I have frequently known amateurs and gardeners destroy their plants by using it, 
though great caution was exercised ; if therefore, it is used, err on the safest side, and give it weak— 
say half-a-pound of guano to eight or ten gallons of water. During summer they require constant 
attention, in taking off all suckers that may appear, as well as all flower-buds—they being not intended to 
bloom this season. If the plants are too crowded with wood, they should be thinned out moderately, that 
the remaining shoots may the better perfect their growth. All strong gross or watery shoots should have 
their extreme points pinched off before they get long, say at six or eight inches; they will soon break out 
afresh, and add to the bushiness of the plant. If all goes on well, these plants will, about the begin¬ 
ning of August, require another shift, which should not be over large. They must be treated in every 
respect as before, until the end of September, when they should be shifted into their blooming pots. 
Me shall now retrace our steps, and bring with us those delicate varieties which were to be pro¬ 
cured in spring, namely, the delicate Bourbons, Noisettes, Chinas, Teas, &c. I will suppose they 
arrive at the end of March—a good time. They had better be put in a cold frame or pit, and kept rather 
close for a few days, or a week, until the plants recover from the effects of the journey; after which 
they must have abundance of air ; and in about a fortnight they may be safely shifted. The soil may 
be, as recommended for the others, rough turfy loam, and well decomposed cow-dung, with the addition 
of from one-fourth to one-third leaf mould; this latter is very suitable for the more delicate Teas, &c. ; 
