Rosa centifolia muscosa

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Moss Roses (Rosa centifolia muscosa)

Originally a sport from the old Provence or Cabbage rose, and said to have been introduced into this country from Italy in 1735. At one time moss roses were not particularly showy, but since the florists have taken them in hand and crossed them with the Hybrid Chinese, some really pretty varieties have been obtained.

The type we are dealing with here are summer-blooming kinds only. There are some that flower in autumn, but these will be dealt with under the head of Perpetual Mossi roses further on. All the present varieties are hardy, but with the exception of the Common Moss, La,nei, and Baron de Wassenaer, they are not good town roses; they really prefer the purer air of the distant suburbs and the country. Very few kinds do well our standards, they thrive best as a matter of fact on their own roots, or budded on the briar.

A rich soil and an open position is indispensable; indeed they cannot be treated too liberally in the former respect. Plant roses from October to March, in borders or in beds. Pruning should be done in March, thinning out the weak growth and shortening the young growths and the laterals on older wood to four or six " eyes." The following are typioal varieties : Celina, crimson and purple; Common, pale rose; Crested, rose; Crimson or Damask, deep rose ; Lanei, rosy crimson ; Heine Blanche, pure white; White Bath, white; Comtesse Murinais, white; Baron de Wassenaer, crimson.