R. Moyesi. Western China. Not for the beginner, is this lovely species, 
for it is as temperamental as a prima donna (and twice as beautiful as most of them. ) 
Vigorous to about ten feet, when it likes its environment. We must credit Bobbink 
& Atkins for the best color description—Tt is a vivid yet deep, warm, velvety 
reddish terracotta, a color one sometimes sees in old necdle-work, and impossible to 
describe.” Roy E. Shepherd says of it—Unfortunately it does not thrive under all 
conditions as do most species but it is so distinctive it deserves a trial in every gar- 
den.” Supply very limited, until spring 1948. 2.00 
Rosa Mundi. (R. gallica versicolor.) (1875.) A hardy, robust plant, 
producing a big spring crop of large, semi-double blooms, white or very pale pink, 
broadly striped red; some petals are all white, others all red, some half white and 
half red. Pleasantly fragrant. The National Rose Society calls it—‘the best of the 
striped Roses.” A striking rose for seekers of the unique and different. Da 
R. Odorata. China. This is a famous understock used in many localities 
for the root system on which the newer varieties are budded. It appears to be com- 
pletely neglected as a garden rose, in its own right, yet we were greatly impressed 
this spring with its clean foliage, long blooming season, and the beauty of the white 
cluster bloom, just touched in the center with pale pink. We like also, its ability 
to “age gracefully.” None available this season, but in the spring of 1948, ‘Fun 
Jwan Lo,” its Chinese name, will appear in the Lester catalogue with our endorse- 
ment. (Of course, some ‘“‘funster” may discourage us by suggesting we change the 
name to Fun Ran Low.) 
Rosa Omeiensis. (the Omei Rose.) In case you have never attempted to 
write a rose catalogue, may we say here that such terms as “‘unusual” become some- 
what threadbare with too much usage. We would like to have reserved the word for 
The Omei Rose, to which unusual, and most of its synonyms—uncommon, curious, 
rare, odd, unique, extraordinary—certainly apply in big measure. 
The flower is small, white, and unimportant, except it is one of the few roses 
with only four petals. But the tall canes bear thorns or prickles, winglike and trans- 
lucent, while young, which glow like fire, especially when the sun is behind them. 
The effect is further beautified by the fern-like lush-green foliage. Our friend, Dr. 
Gage, to whom we are indebted for introductory comments herein, asked us the 
other day to recommend some roses to plant across the end of his hybrid tea garden— 
think he had something pretty and genteel like Kathleen, in mind. I suggested the 
Omei Rose, to which he finally succumbed, in some doubt, I must admit, for the 
Doctor knows what he wants and does not persuade easily. This comment is intended 
for all gardeners, whose rose plots are well filled with their favorite hybrid teas, and 
whose taste for “‘just another new rose” is somewhat jaded. Why not try such variet- 
ies as Omeinensis, Roxburghi, Soulieana, and the like—maybe a new rose thrill is in 
store for you. Supply too limited for many “thrills” this season; plenty next. 2.00 
R. Soulieana. West China. If we were asked to decide our favorite spring 
blooming cluster rose, for mass display, it would be hard to choose between The 
Musk, R. odorata, (Fun Jwan Lo) and Soulieana. Soulieana is more “reasonable” 
in growth, hence more adaptable to space allotted it; foliage attractive blue-green. 
It blooms in great trusses, of 14/2 inch, single, white flowers—rather late in spring, 
but long lasting. The meticulously truthful Mrs. Lester says it will repeat in fall, 
if hips are removed; but her partner in October is still waiting for said autumn 
bloom. 2.00 
¥ 23 
