Rose photo courtesy of CybeRose

The Garden 71: 542 (Nov 9, 1907) ROSE PHYLLIS. THE increasing favour in which the dwarf, long-blooming Polyantha Roses are regarded makes the advent of a novelty most interesting. In the variety called Phyllis Messrs. H. Merryweather and Sons of Southwell, Notts, have been fortunate in obtaining a most beautiful addition to the group. In these dwarf Polyanthas there are two distinct groups, one resembling the Tea Roses in their delicacy of colouring and extra vigorous growth, such as Perle d'Or, and the other having large pyramidal or closely-arranged clusters of double and semi-double flowers in the way of the Rambler or Multiflora Roses. To this latter class Phyllis undoubtedly belongs. For bedding purposes Phyllis will be a most useful little Rose, first-rate either for edgings to walks or for beds or for cultivation in pots. The evenness of its growth and extreme floriferousness give a bright effect in the garden. A most attractive method of planting a long border with these Roses would be to commence with a mass of the dainty blush-coloured Mignonette, then another mass of Gloire des Polyantha, which still holds its own as one of the very best, for its glorious compact clusters of blossom produced right up to the end of the year. Then might follow a mass of Mrs. W. H. Cutbush and another of Phyllis, finishing with Mme. Norbert Levavasseur. I can safely affirm that such a border would be one of perpetual interest from June to November. Plants of dwarf standards could be employed of a good white sort such as Katherina Zeimet or of any of the sorts mentioned. Another pretty grouping in which Phyllis could be employed would be in planting a large or small quantity of that decidedly beautiful novelty, Aennchen Miiller, in the centre of a bed and surround it with a single or double row of Phyllis. I would strongly commend these interesting Roses to the notice of all who desire useful free-flowering plants. Nothing can be prettier or more decorative than well-flowered plants in 4 1/2-inch pots. For such a size pot it would be necessary to strike cuttings or graft the plants, but plants budded in the open ground may be lifted and potted up, and for such I would recommend 6-inoh pots. In both cases a good compost would be two parts turfy loam to one part old hot-bed manure. These dwarf Polyantha Roses are most useful for arranging around beds planted with ordinary bush Roses. When the margin is planted with another kind of plant the result is often unsatisfactory, just as the association of foreign foliage with cut Roses is generally incongruous. P.

Uploaded 15 JAN 16