Old Spanish Rose. Gallica. (Original name unknown.) This big shrub 
rose was discovered by the Lesters on one of their journeys through the Mother Lode 
Country—where it was known only as the “Old Spanish Rose,” and no amount of 
research since has discovered a more accurate name for it. From early to late spring, 
‘tis covered with two inch double blooms, similar in form to the Provence Roses, 
starting from deep, rich magenta, which progresses to dark violet in the open flower. 
For best effect it must be helped in “shedding its dead” otherwise the beauty of the 
opening buds is marred by the older blooms, which are much too persistent in their 
desire to remain. Thrives on neglect with us and should be hardy anywhere. 150 
Ophelia. H. Tea. (1912.) This is a very famous parent rose, 28 of her 
children having been judged worthy of commercial propagation, although we sus- 
pect grandmother, herself, is still the best of the lot, (unless it be Mme. Butterfly, 
previously described.) We like Ophelia for the rare delicacy of its flesh-pink color- 
ing, its satiny sheen, and handsome form. Steady, dependable bloomer; good plant. 
Bush only. 1.50 
Paul Neyron. H. Perpetual. (1869.) A lusty, robust grower to four or 
five feet, with heavy spring bloom, continuing with us. We like Mrs. Keay’s 
description which follows—'Paul Neyron, 1869, raised from Anna de Diesbach and 
Victor Verdier, is an achievement. Wood is almost smooth, almost without prickles; 
foliage very large, smooth, tough and wavy. The bloom is enormous, deeply cupped, 
reflexing its outer petals, opening into a ruffling semi-globe of deep rose-pink 
with a dash of lilac, much like LaReine but, point to point, bigger and more hand- 
somely furnished, with a calyx even more triangular in outline. Paul Neyron chooses 
to live long in old gardens and is likely to be met with almost anywhere. When you 
see the biggest rose you ever saw in an old garden, most likely it is Paul Neyron.” 1.50 
Penelope. H.Musk (1924.) This is a Pemberton cross of Ophelia with one 
of his Musk seedlings, which produced a perpetual blooming shrub rose, coming in 
clusters of large, semi-double flowers, shell-pink, shaded saffron. Another year’s 
observation places Penelope along with the best of our recent additions. We were 
pleased to see that the well-known English nurseryman, T. Hilling, gives Penelope a 
“discreet” pat on the back. 175 
Persian Yellow _H. Foetida. (From Persia to England 1837.) Unique in 
every respect, from its fern-like foliage, to the manner in which its rich, butter- 
yellow blooms are borne along the large canes. Dean Hole says—"T his Rose is almost 
the earliest to tell us that summer is at hand, first by unfolding its sweet leaves, of 
a most vivid, refreshing green, and then by its golden blooms.” 
To Louise Beebe Wilder, writing in 1916, we are indebted for the following— 
“The yellow briers are lovely, planted in wide borders with white and purple lilacs 
—lavender, white and buff flag iris—pink, white and blue lupines.” 1.50 
Phyllis Bide. Rambler (1923.) Blooms profusely and constantly; the 
small, semi-double cluster blooms are pale gold, with heart of warm pink and peach 
tones. A restrained climber and tidy pillar rose—long a favorite in the Lester 
Gardens. Will master-rosarian, John van Barneveld, of Puente, please see to it that 
no more of the beautiful Phyllis Bide weeping trees which adorn his entrance are 
permitted to disappear. 1.50 
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