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Gardening Illustrated (November 17, 1906) p. 523
MRS. O. G. ORPEN
Perhaps one of the most interesting features of the modern Rose garden is the employment of so many of the beautiful shrub-like varieties of Roses in a bold, natural style. For such n purpose what a splendid Rose we have in that we figure to-day! Knowing the value of the Rose, I was rather sorry to see it shown at the Temple as a forced plant, for it is totally unfit for that purpose. Its true place is as a large shrub in the Rose garden or isolated upon the lawn. Give this Rose a well prepared site, either as a free bush or on a pillar, and it will afford pleasure to the planter. The flowers are large, each fully 4 inches across, and of a bright rosy-pink colour. There are two rows of petals, therefore one cannot call it a single Rose. The blossoms are produced in clusters of seven to twenty, and as they expand irregularly the season of flowering is considerably prolonged. The rich golden anthers give the flower a still greater attraction. It is a charming sort to use for table decoration, and has frequently been so employed by the lady whose name it bears.
I cannot agree with the giving of gold medals for Roses of this description, because there is no particular skill needed in bringing out such varieties. We shall soon have every amateur raising his or her own Ramblers, so freely do they yield seed, and I consider that gold medals should only be awarded to Roses of superlative excellence. The many beautiful seedlings of R. macrantha have given us still further material for the bold planting I have referred to, and most charming they are, too. Then there are older sorts, such as Dawn, Macrantha, Andersoni, and a host of others, so that the selection is by no means meagre. There is a lovely sort named Blush Rambler that should be planted by all who admire this type of Rose. I saw it in July last growing in wondrous profusion in the gardens at Hatfield House. The late Mr. Norman knew well how to group Roses, as he did other plants. For Blush Rambler we are indebted to Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, who are also sending out Mrs. O. G. Orpen. I am hoping that in Parkfeuer we shall have that which was needed—namely, a brilliant scarlet single Rose of a colour more dazzling than that of Gruss an Teplitz. I have not yet seen the flower of this Rose, but it is a good grower, and very distinct in wood and foliage.
Rosa.
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