The American rose annual - Page 82 (1947) Rosa highdownensis is an accidental hybrid of that beautiful but exasperating species, R. Moyesi. Although the blossoms are probably not quite as sensational, they are exceedingly lovely (light velvety crimson) and are borne in greater profusion than are those of R. Moyesi, and the hips are more brightly colored. Those who have failed to grow R. Moyesi successfully should plant R. highdownenis, for it is quite similar and considerably less temperamental.
I grow moyesi 'Geranium' and 'Highdownensis' and I can tell you that 'Highdownensis' is far easier, more rampant and bushier than 'Geranium'. In my garden and a neighbour's too moyesi suffers a little from die back. 'Highdownensis' in ten years has reached 4m x 4m, I have never pruned this rose, there is not a single piece of dead wood on it.
The American Rose Annual, Volume 15, page 222 (1930) Rosa X Highdownensis. Sp. This plant was raised from seed of R. Moyesi, and it is thought that the other parent was probably K. of K. (HT.) as that was the only rose near the seed parent.
New Flora and Silva - Volume 2 - Page 86 (1930) Evan Hillhouse Methven Cox The bees crossed R. Moyesii and produced a fine new cross which we call Rosa highdownensis, a strong-growing form of R. Moyesii, with more flowers than the type and bigger hips.
