of a Living Fence of Forrest Keeling Type Multiflora Rose 
FORREST KEELING MULTIFLORA IS 
TOUGH. You'll be amazed as to how 
these plants weather drouth and other 
climatic adversities. But Multiflora 
Rose does have its growth limitations, 
and these should be recognized. It 
cannot be expected to thrive in the 
arid western states unless irrigation is 
provided. Nor is it at home in the ex- 
treme northern or southern latitudes. 
The map shown at right, prepared by 
the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
is the best guide as to the area where 
Multiflora will grow successfully. We 
have customers who have successful 
fences beyond the adapted areas but 
we suggest plantings outside the zones 
recommended by the Department of 
Agriculture be kept on an experimental basis. 
Remember too that dense fences cannot be grown 
through woods or in swampy locations. Multiflora 
thrives best in full sun. 
Our plants stay within bounds! The oldest Multi- 
flora fences in America are right here at Elsberry. 
They are growing under aii different kinds of situa- 
tions. Nowhere have these fences spread by sucker- 
ing, layering or sprouting. Occasionally seedlings do 
appear where birds drop seeds, but such occasional 
volunteer seedlings have never been a problem or 
nuisance. A recent survey by the U. S. Soil Con- 
servation Service, covering several states, found 
that nowhere was spreading a problem in crop fields 
or well-managed pastures. 
Forrest Keeling Multiflora Rose stays within 
bounds without pruning, clipping, shearing or train- 
ing. If you care to restrict or restrain growth in 
confined quarters, you can prune to almost any de- 
sired degree any time during the growing or dormant 
period. We’ve made pruning tests on all ages of 
plants and find that Multiflora accepts the shears 
very well. It is hard to improve on the natural, 
graceful free-growing form of Forrest Keeling Multi- 
flora, however, so do not prune unnecessarily. 
Approved by farm authorities everywhere. Are you 
in a hurry for a fence, barrier or screen? Well, sir, 
we believe our plants have more get-up-and-go than 
any you'll find on the market, and here’s the reason: 
We grow our own stock, which is a statement very 
few advertisers can make. Our plants move straight 
from our growing fields to your hands via the most 
rapid practical transportation. These field-fresh 
plants, bursting with growing vigor, are simply not 
@ Locolities where multiflora rose 
can be used with success on 
icngated land. 
Ruy Area where multiflora rose will grow successfully. n the 
northern fringe of this area, tops will be killed back in 
severe winters but plantings will not be seriously hurt. 
to be compared with half-dead plants that have been 
kicked about the country before reaching the planter. 
With ordinary good soil and growing conditions, 
you can expect a stem growth from our larger grades 
of four or five feet the first season. A stem growth of 
three or four feet the first season with our No. 1 
Standard Grade is quite common. Compare this 
kind of a start with plants that just “‘hang on”’ the 
first year! 
There are many types of Multiflora Rose — Our 
type, adapted to a wide variety of soils and situa- 
tions, has proved the ideal for living fence use. 
Food and Cover for Wildlife. A Forrest Keeling 
Multiflora fence is a boone to wildlife, providing 
fine nesting, escape and travel cover for a wide 
variety of birds and animals. Studies have shown 
that fields bordered by shrubby growth have less 
insect damage due to the increased numbers of song- 
birds and other insect predators. U.S. Dept. of Agri- 
culture authorities state “‘shrubby field borders con- 
tain more PEST FIGHTING INSECTS, such as lady 
beetles, than fence rows in sod and weeds. The same 
applies to rodents; meadow mice, probably the worst 
vertebrate enemy of growing crops, are common in 
sodded field boundaries, but in brush they give way 
to deer-mice, shrews and other species that are of 
little significance or actually an asset.” 
Colorful in flower, foliage and fruit. In late May, 
Forrest Keeling Multiflora Rose becomes a mass of 
small white or dusty pink blooms that fill the air 
with a delicate fragrance. The flowers are followed 
by masses of berries, the size of small peas, which 
turn red and persist through the winter or until con- 
sumed by birds. The attractive foliage appears early 
in the spring and lasts until early winter. 
