Antoine Levet of Lyons, France, developed a new rose in 1869 and named it for his friend, Paul Neyron, who, unfortunately, was killed the following year in the Franco-Prussian War. This rose was so enthusiastically received that “Neyron Pink” entered the language of color and fashion in the 19th century.

        The rose's variety is classified as “hybrid perpetual,” which means it is the result of complex “marriages” in the 1800s among the Chinas, Portlands, Bourbons and Noisettes. Hybrid perpetuals bloom in mauve, red, pink and white. Large and full-petalled, these roses produce masses of flowers in early summer followed by occasional blooms into fall.

        If you want large blooms, “Paul Neyron” produces one of the largest flowers of all roses - peony-like blooms 4 to 5 inches in diameter, but often 6 to 7 inches wide.

        The color is a deep rose-pink shade with a lavender tint, somewhat lighter on the back of the petals. The double blooms are tightly packed with 65-75 petals and a light, distinct tea fragrance.

        A vigorous shrub, “Paul Neyron” grows to 5 feet with a spread of 3-4 feet.

        Sturdy, beautiful, disease-resistant, winter-hardy and tolerant of poor soils, “Paul Neyron” is a good selection for easy cultivation with sensational results.

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

Tips for novice gardeners
        Watering roses deeply once a week will keep them far healthier than several quick watering sessions.

        Avoid a strong blast from the hose, which may wash away mulch or expose roots growing near the surface.

        Never water roses in the evening; early morning is best. The foliage must dry out during the day to avoid disease.

        Sources: For bare-root or container grown roses for fall planting, contact Arena Roses, Paso Robles, Calif. Call (888) 466-7434 for free catalog. They do ship in the fall and this is a good time to plant roses

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