HYBRID WICHURAIANA ROSES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20318, 28 January 1928, Page 3

HYBRID WICHURAIANA ROSES.

By 0. W. B, Andekson, in “ The City Beautiful,” Christchurch. One of the most conspicuous features, I feel almost inclined to say the most conspicuous, of the gardens of Christchurch at present and during the last three weeks, is the Hybrid Wichuraiana rose. Many amateur gardeners would look at you intently if you pronounced that fearsome word, and would wonder what new and rare flower you were talking about, but mention that “ Dorothy Perkins is a Wichuraiana, or “ Wich ” as it is usually written in the Rosarian catalogues and he will immediately call to mind that class which covers our fences, climbs over our pergolas, or perhaps as a weeping standard on a raised bed in our lawn, delights our senses by its graceful lines. But Dorothy Perkins is only one of an infinite variety. Indeed, the day of Dorothy may be said to be past, as she has developed in this climate a partiality for mildew and green fly, and there are now so many fine varieties which are immune from mildew that a gardenei need not be troubled with this pest. The original rose called Wichuraiana is a Japanese with charming white flowers, glossy dark foliage, and has a creeping habit. American hybridists were the first to realise the possibilities of this variety, and crossed it with the Multifloras, with excellent results, for the crosses retained the dark glossy foliage of the Wichuraiana, were late flowering and lent themselves to decorative effect. The attention of the hybridists was then turned tp the Tea and H.T. to cross with Wichuraiana, and here again excellent results Were obtained, the products being early flowering with greater combination of colour at once charming and distinct. In all crosses the glossy foliage has been retained with its almost evergreen character. The outstanding merits of the Wichuraiana Hybrids are 1. An ability to grow well in almost any soil and situation, as rampant climbers, trained on pillars or as suits them best, as weeping standards. 2. They are simplicity itself to propagate either by budding, layering, or from cuttings. 3. They offer a wide range of style and colour of flower. 4. A well-selected collection will give a flowering period of three to four months, during which time either one or more will be in bloom. If allowed to grow they will make from year to year an enormous amount of growth, forming hard-barked stems tnat will throw out new shoots arid increase the length to almost any extent. They are therefore particularly suited for pergolas, and as weeping standards. No rose garden is complete without its weeping standard, for nothing can equal this when in full bloom for its exquisite display. Practically all the Wiehuraianas are ideal for this purpose. Their vigorous growth as standards is only excelled by the freedom with whieh they bloom and the grace, loveliness, and charm need only be seen to be realised.