ROSE, with roundish seed-buds, and peduncles slightly hispid;
smooth and shining, ever blooming; the petioles are prickly; the
leaflets are oblong, sharp-pointed, and very shining; stem green,
shining, and thorny towards the base.
* * * * *
This most elegant rose is justly considered as one of the greatest
ornaments ever introduced to this country. The light delicacy of its
pinky flowers, and its bright shining green leaves, aided by its
unceasing and abundant bloom, render it so attractive that very few
roses can compare with it; in fragrance it is inferior to most; for
although at times we have found it slightly scented, we must confess to
have found it sometimes so deficient in this particular as to be almost
induced to regard it as a scentless rose.
All the information that we have been able to acquire respecting its
introduction is, that it was first seen in the garden of the late Mr.
Parsons of Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire, in the year 1793, soon after
which period Messrs. Colville procuring a plant, cultivated it, and it
has been ever since increasing in estimation. In the cold season of the
year its blossoms are very pale; too great an exposure to the sun
likewise produces the same effect. We have frequently seen it of a rich
flesh-colour, but never deep.
It is commonly called Pale China Rose; but we have preferred the literal
English name, to avoid confusion, by an appearance of two names for one
plant, which can never be desirable.
Our figure was made from a plant in the Hibbertian collection, Clapham
Common.
[Illustration]
ROSA Belgica, _blanda_.
_Blush Belgic Rose._