One of the few old roses listed among the 10 most popular U.S. roses by the World Federation of Roses is the “Charles de Mills,” a Gallica rose, its parentage unknown.

        The R. gallica generally is accepted as the ancestor of the Damasks, Centifolias, Mosses and Albas. Rosarians claim that R. gallica is in the lineage of practically all modern garden roses. One source suggests that the breeder was Desportes, a Frenchman active between 1800 and 1835, but this is uncertain.

TIPS FOR NOVICES

• Don't fertilize roses in the fall.     • Fall is a good time to plant bare-root roses. Many nurseries will ship roses at this time of year. Plant them as you would in the spring, but don't fertilize. Protect the new plants with a mulch over winter, applied after the first hard freeze. Arena Rose Co., Paso Robles, Calif., (888) 466-7434, will ship in the fall excellent bare-root roses.

        Gardeners familiar with Graham Stuart Thomas' book The Old Shrub Roses and its newest revision, The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book, may recall the author mentioning the sacred writings of the Median fire-worshipers. Roses used in these religious ceremonies of the 12th century B.C. are thought to have been a form of R. gallica.

        “Charles de Mills” is a spectacular dark magenta rose known to bloom in shades from the richest crimson to purple to dark lilac. The flowers are extra large: 4 1/2 inches across with about 200 petals. The shape of the bloom is absolutely unique: aside from being a full-petaled rose, when partly open the blooms appear to have been sliced off in the bud, so flat and regular is the cupped formation. When the blooms are fully open, you can detect a green button eye in the center.

        Noted for its strong, heady perfume, this old rose is immensely free-flowering, smothering the bush with flowers for up to six weeks.

        Its growth is upright and vigorous, reaching 4 1/2 to 5 feet tall and wide. Foliage is dark green.

        “Charles de Mills” is one of the finest performers among the old roses and looks terrific planted among strong pink varieties.

        Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
       

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