China Or Bengal

A native of China brought to Europe during the eighteenth century. They are of moderate, branching growth, flowers of medium size, and require a rich soil and close pruning. They give a greater quantity of flowers during the season than any other class.

Bourbon

A native of the Isle of Bourbon. The varieties vary greatly in growth, but most of them are of vigorous habit, and dark lustrous foliage. The flowers are generally of light shades, and found in clusters, and are especially valuable in the autumn; those of moderate growth require close pruning, and are useful for low beds on the lawn or for borders.

Climbing Teas

This class contains three of our finest climbing roses. Climbing Devoniensis, Gloire de Dijon, and Reine Marie Henriette; all of vigorous growth when well established. When protected from the wind, and in rich soil, the latter two will bloom continuously from spring till late in the autumn.

Hybrid Climbers

Of modern origin and from various sources, generally sports from Hybrid Perpetuals. In growth not equal to the Climbing Teas, but desirable for Trellis or Pillar roses.

Hybrid Noisette

This is a modern group obtained chiefly from crosses between Remontant, Bourbon and Noisette roses. The flowers are mostly white, of medium size, and generally of good form. The varieties generally, though not always, bloom in small clusters, and are freely produced until late in the season.

Hybrid Perpetual Or " Remontant"

A most valuable class, and in England, standing at the head of all roses. The first varieties sent out were from crosses of Bourbons, upon Damask Perpetuals and Hybrid Chinas; later crosses were made with varieties of Provence, Damask and French roses, upon Bourbons, Bengals and Teas; and vice versa. Those that are of vigorous growth as in other cases, need much less pruning than those of dwarf habit, for if cut back too severely, they run too much to wood. This class thrives best in rich soil.

Hybrid Tea

A new group produced by crossing Teas with Hybrid Perpetuals. There are but few varieties now in this class, but the number is fast increasing. This class of roses, on account of its novelty and promise of usefulness, is now looked upon with more interest than any other, its best representative being La France - which, with a spicy perfume peculiar to itself, is the sweetest of all roses, and equal to any in profusion of bloom.

Moss

Believed to be a sport from the Provence rose, and was introduced from Holland about the beginning of the seventeenth century. They are distinguished from other roses, by the moss-like substance which surrounds the flower buds and by the marked Provence scent, the shoots are thickly covered with thorns; as a class they require close pruning, rich soil and high culture.

Noisette

This is of American origin, and was sent to France about the year 1817. This group is naturally of vigorous growth and produces large clusters of flowers. Through hybridization with the Tea section the varieties have partially lost the clustering tendency, but the flowers have much more substance, and are far more beautiful; certainly nothing can surpass a wall covered with Marechal Neil, or Cloth of Gold. One of the best known is Lamarque, which produces an immense quantity of flowers during the season; and nearly all the fine Tea Noisettes are traced back to this variety. These roses must not be pruned except when it is necessary to cut away shoots altogether.

Polyantha

Brought from Japan about the year 1865. The foliage and flowers are both very small. The finest variety of this group, Mdlle Cecile Brunner was raised from a seedling of Polyantha, crossed by a Tea; as a class they are ever-blooming, of slender growth, producing a great quantity of exquisitely beautiful flowers; as an edging for a bed of Teas they are very effective.

Prairie

The Prairie rose is indigenous to the country, being found in Michigan and many of the Western States. The most valuable of all the non-remontant climbers. For rapidity of growth, they are unexcelled. The flowers are produced in large clusters during the summer. The Queen of the Prairies seems to be the most useful of the group.

Tea

Several varieties of this group were introduced from China in the early part of the present century; among them were the Blush Tea and Yellow Tea, two varieties from which most of the sorts now in cultivation have descended. Most of the varieties in this group are very sensitive to neglect, and will show very quickly whether they have met with good or ill treatment. The soil can scarcely be made too rich, and should be well drained. The varieties of moderate growth require rather close pruning. The flowers vary greatly in size, as well as in fullness, and for delicate beauty - refinement of color, and wonderful fragrance - they are unequaled. It is principally for their beautiful buds that Teas are highly prized. Oakland, Cal.

[We take this from the catalogue of a rose growing company, of which Mr Havens is the manager, which gives a full and concise description of nearly every rose that is known in gardens to-day. So many people who love roses do not know the classification, that we are sure the condensed information will be very acceptable. - Ed. G. M].