American Florist 1(12): 191 (Feb 1, 1886)
The Waltham Climbing Roses.
Peter Henderson. Jersey City Heights, N. J., Jan. 16.
When visiting William Paul & Son's nursery in July last I had the pleasure of seeing these beautiful roses in very fine condition. There are three varieties, which have been numbered 1, 2 and 3, No. 1 being a rich crimson. No. 2 a little darker, and No. 3 the darkest shade somewhat resembling and nearly as rich in color as the old Aggripina rose, and when to this color is added the size and shape of the Gloire de Dijon or the Marechal Niel, together with their style of growth, it will be seen what a grand acquisition has come to us from this lucky production of Messrs. Paul & Son. Almost the only climbing rose seen on the suburban cottages in Britain is the Gloire de Dijon, and although grand as it is there in the summer months, the want of variety becomes somewhat monotonous. Now these Waltham Climbers being in all respects similar in growth and hardiness to the Gloire de Dijon will give a variety of color hitherto unknown for that purpose. I doubt much, however, if the Waltham Climbers will have any value as forcing roses for florists. No doubt they would do equally as well as the Gloire de Dijon or Marechal Niel treated in the same way, but as we have now so many roses of crimson shades the Walthams would hardly pay treated as climbers. But in all southern sections of the country where Gloire de Dijon, Marechal Niel, or Cloth of Gold, will stand the winter, these new climbers will prove of great value, as hitherto we have had no crimson rose of everblooming qualities equal to those of the yellow shades. While in London, in conversation with an experienced florist, he said that he believed that at least 50,000 plants would be sold each year for the next five years of the Waltham Climbing roses, as for the first time this new color in climbers would be supplied.