From a lifetime's experience as a professional rose grower, much research and a wide knowledge of rose growing in this country [the United Kingdom] and abroad, Mr. LeGrice has written perhaps the most complete work on the rose yet pubished. He discusses all aspects of growing roses both at home and commercially: their propagation, cultivation and pruning; how to produce them and display them for shows. A chapter on rose perfume and its production is a unique feature. Mr. LeGrice also deals extensively with hybridization, on which he is an authority. His work in this field is known throughout the world: he holds the Queen Mary Memorial Medal for British Rose Hybridists and is Vice-President of the Royal National Rose Society, and on their panel for judging new roses.

Throughout this book, his aim is to give reasons for the various procedures rather than merely to lay down rules -- and approach which will appeal both to the interested amateur and to professionals seeking to add to their expert knowledge.

Mr. LeGrice has thoroughly revised and updated his text for this new edition. New chapters include One Hundred Years of the Royal National Rose Society. One Hundred Years of New Seedling British Roses. Some Old Garden and Shrub Roses, and Modern Roses, A Selected Descriptive List.

"One of the most instructive and enjoyable books on this subject it has ever been my pleasure to read ... I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone interested in roses." A. G. L. Hellyer in the Financial Times