The Practical Book of Outdoor Rose Growing

The book that taught America to grow roses out of doors: how to site and prepare a bed, how to prune and propagate, and a rated list of the best varieties with the faults of each set down honestly.

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Robert Huey: Caroline

In looking over the obtainable data it is at once noted that certain roses stand out as having been the most successful parents, and of these Madame Caroline Testout ranks among the first; bred with Souv. de M. Verdier, Aimée Cochet was obtained; with Merveille de Lyon, Frau Karl Druschki was obtained; with Fisher Holmes, George Laing Paul was obtained; with Viscountess Folkstone, Königin Carola 'was obtained; with Bridesmaid, La Detroit was obtained; with Ferdinand Jamin, Madame Edmée Metz was obtained.

In addition to this Caroline Testout has produced quite a number of sports, most noted of which are Admiral Dewey and Mrs. Longworth.

Another rose which stands out prominently is Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, a pedigree rose introduced in 1882, and one of the parents of Caroline Testout. In 1894 this rose with Dr. Grill produced Antoine Rivoire, a rose that is holding its own among the newer Hybrid Teas of today, and is still by far the best rose of its shade in this country. Crossed with La France, in 1894, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam gave Mrs. W. J. Grant (syn. Belle Siebrecht), a rose still popular; Kaiserin Augusta Victoria resulted when she was crossed with Coquette de Lyon. Kaiserin Augusta Victoria is unique in color and must be included in any large collection.

Ellwanger's chapter on "Seed Parents of Leading Roses," in his book, "The Rose,” gives some very interesting data on this subject.

About 1890, owing to its longer period of bloom, the Hybrid Tea had pushed the Hybrid Perpetual out of first place in popularity, and from that time on has held sway as the premier class. While at first much was to be desired in some of the Hybrid Teas, gradually they have become improved, until today there is no question about their being the best for the outdoor garden; yet, in so deciding on them as the most useful class, many must be discarded as worthless in the climate of the Middle Atlantic States. The best of the Teas, and some others, must be included in a list which purports to include the best outdoor roses.

In addition to the hardy growth and long period of bloom common to the best of the Hybrid Teas, many of them have the long double bud on the stiff FIG. 12

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