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Roses for Shrubbery Plantings and Specimens

In this last group we have the roses which are used for shrubbery plantings, for hedges, or as individual specimens.

Rugosas Probably the best known are the Rugosa roses and their many hybrids. The Rugosas came originally from northern Japan and are noted for their extreme hardiness, their freedom from insect pests and diseases, and their ability to thrive under adverse conditions. They are particularly adapted for seashore gardens, for windswept locations, and for places where winters are of extreme severity. The original species of Rosa rugosa is of strong, erect habit, with rough, slightly crinkled leaves and large single flowers, the color varying from pink and magenta to deep rose. The blooms are practically useless for cutting, as their beauty is so fleeting. The bright reddish-orange fruits are very ornamental. The many hybrids of the Rugosa vary considerably, some bearing single flowers, some double flowers, with a wide range of color. Briers Among the Brier roses we have the old-fashioned Sweetbrier Hybrids with their delightfully scented foliage, and the lovely Austrian Brier. The Hybrid Sweetbriers,--or Penzance Briers as they are sometimes called, since they were developed by Lord Penzance,--are valuable in mixed shrubbery plantings where they lend a note of color and lightness.

Lady Penzance, with its bright copper-colored flowers, is one of the finest varieties.

Lord Penzance is a variety distinct in form and color, the flowers being of a delicate fawn tint, shading to ecru.

Rose Bradwardine bears its rose-pink flowers in large graceful clusters. As specimen shrubs, as accents in the corner of the rose garden, or for massed plantings, the Austrian Briers, beloved for centuries, hold an important place.

Harison's Yellow, which was introduced in 1830, has been a popular variety for nearly one hundred years and as yet no recent introductions have usurped its supremacy. It is very hardy, of vigorous growth, with splendidly healthy foliage, and in late spring every little branch and twig blossoms forth, until the bush seems a miracle of golden beauty. The flowers are semidouble, and a few graceful sprays in a copper bowl are something to look forward to the whole year through.

Sonnenlicht is a recent introduction in this class and is worthy of regard. The flowers are fragrant, semidouble, of canary-yellow color, and the bush has a somewhat longer period of bloom than Harison's Yellow. The Rose Species are roses found in many sections of Europe, America, and Asia which have been untouched by the hybridizer's art. When crossed with other types they have given us some of our loveliest varieties, and many of them are beautiful enough in themselves to deserve a place in our affections. They have a simplicity and grace that are not found in some of their more sophisticated descendants. These rose species may be had in a great variety of form and color; some of dwarf trailing habit and some of vigorous shrubby growth. Rosa blanda, Rosa carolina, Rosa lucida, and Rosa setigera are four species that are indigenous to America. They are particularly useful and effective for naturalizing along wild banks or rough stone walls, as they require no care and spread rapidly from underground rootstocks. The flowers are single and range in color from soft to bright pink. These four native species may be purchased in quantity at ridiculously low prices and should be more commonly used for wild plantings.

Probably the best known of all the imported rose species is the beautiful Rosa hugonis.

Rosa hugonis, Father Hugo's Chinese rose,--named for its discoverer, Father Hugo, a missionary,--was first found growing wild in northern China. In 1908 a seedling plant was sent from the Royal Gardens at Kew, England, to the Arnold Arboretum (Boston, Mass), where it is still growing most happily. From the time of its introduction into this country the popularity of this delightful rose has increased rapidly as its merits have become known. In spring, about two weeks before any other rose comes into bloom, it is covered with beautiful, single, golden blossoms. To quote from Mr. Wilson of the Arnold Arboretum, "Rosa hugonis should be in every garden, for it is the best of all hardy yellow flowering roses and one of the most lovely plants known to cultivation."

It is, fortunately, extremely hardy, withstanding severe winter cold without protection.