Heritage Rose District of NYC
Encyclopedia
The Heritage Rose District of New York City is the first and only rose district
in the country. It is the result of the efforts of the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and the Heritage Rose Foundation, a non-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation of old rose
s.
The Heritage Rose District includes the western portion of Northern Manhattan between West 135th and West 163rd streets, with Broadway
and Trinity Church Cemetery
at its center. There are also additional plantings on the grounds of Trinity Cemetery and at several nearby locations. The Heritage Rose District, with an initial collection of over a hundred roses, was established by the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and the Heritage Rose Foundation in Fall 2009.
are inspired by local history. In each planting, all of the roses are varieties that grew in Manhattan during the 18th and 19th centuries—many of which were originally grown in gardens located in Northern Manhattan. The roses planted in the Heritage Rose District have been donated by nurseries across the country, from as far away as California
.
, the Rose District was established as a means to strengthen the community’s ties to the area’s history and to raise the visibility of their neighborhoods. The Heritage Rose District was also created as a way to link the numerous cultural resources of Upper Manhattan.
The planting of those roses was spearheaded by the Heritage Rose Foundation. In the Spring of 2009, the Foundation planted the Harison's Yellow, thought to be the original “Yellow Rose of Texas,” near the grave of George Folliott Harison, who in the 1830s created this rose in his Manhattan garden. In addition, at the grave of John James Audubon
, the Foundation planted the “Audubon,” a red rose created to celebrate the famed naturalist
whose estate became Trinity Church Cemetery.
As a result of their plantings that spring, the Office of the Manhattan Borough President became interested in the Foundation’s work. On October 24, 2009, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, along with NYC Parks & Recreation Manhattan Borough Commissioner Bill Castro and Stephen Scanniello, president of the Heritage Rose Foundation, broke ground on the nation’s first official “Heritage Rose District” in West Harlem and Southern Washington Heights.
s where these roses may be grown and appreciated by the public; to promote public knowledge and appreciation of heritage roses and their preservation.
, protection from the elements, separation from walking paths, protection from road salt and other de-icing agents, and dedicated maintenance by an individual or organization. Sites surrounded by fencing and/or on raised beds are particularly well suited.
before the twentieth century. Some were created in the city, while others were imported from around the world. All celebrate the neighborhoods of West Harlem and Washington Heights and the history of New York City.
but its origins have been lost.
Both of these ancient varieties are gallica roses dating back to medieval times. ‘Rosa Mundi’ is a striped sport, or mutation, of the red ‘Apothecary’s Rose’. These spring-blooming shrubs were included the 1811 inventory of the Elgin Botanic Garden. Dr. David Hosack
, the curator of this long-gone garden, is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery.
Christened in 2004, this red rose celebrates the famed naturalist who is interred at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum. Five-petalled fragrant roses cover this four-foot shrub all summer long. This rose is planted at Mr. Audubon’s grave on the eastern portion of the Cemetery at Broadway and W. 155th.
Named for the daughter of a reformed drunkard, this climbing rose created by Samuel Feast was introduced to NYC from Baltimore
in 1843. After his death, Feast’s nursery became part of the Baltimore estate known as “Harlem.” The light pink roses bloom in June.
Of Dutch origin pre-18th century, this popular rose was undoubtedly in early Dutch gardens in New Amsterdam
. A tall-growing shrub, ‘Celsiana’ produces pink flowers in June.
Also known as cabbage roses, centifolias were grown in Manhattan’s Dutch gardens as early as 1650. One interesting citing of this rose was by Fredika Bremer, author of The Homes of the New World (1853). Ms. Bremer observed female inmates in the Tombs
tending a bed of these shrubby pink roses.
The cherry-red roses of this small plant were sold at the Harlem-based nursery of Floy and Sons in 1835, two years after it was first produced in Paris
. One of the many popular continuous-blooming French roses found in gardens of New Yorkers, it was also noted in the 1842 garden of D. Monck. Monck grew roses for the cut flower/florist trade. Monck had one entire greenhouse
devoted to ‘Cramoisi Supérieur,’ where he grew them in pots.
A red rose with strong fragrance, ‘Duchess of Portland’ was grown in 18th century Manhattan in kitchen garden
s. During the 19th century, ‘Duchess of Portland’ was used to create a new class of roses known as Portland roses. Swiss-born horticulturist Daniel Boll sold many Portland roses at his nursery located at 52nd street and Bloomingdale Road.
The nursery of Noe & Boll (located near present day Times Square
) listed this rose in their 1837 inventory. It’s appropriate that Daniel Boll, a Swiss born gardener, would sell this rose. It’s suspected that this rose is of Swiss origin, as well. A short growing climbing rose. ‘Fellemberg’ (also spelled ‘Fellenberg’) produces cherry-red roses throughout the summer and autumn.
This tall growing, extremely fragrant white rose was discovered in 20th century England
by Graham Stuart Thomas
. It’s thought to be Rosa moschata
(the Musk Rose), an ancient species rose that was considered by many to be extinct. Native to northern Africa, the musk rose was brought to New Amsterdam by Dutch settlers in 1672.
Only two plants of this small–flowered red rose are known to exist today. The oldest grows in Baltimore’s Green Mount Cemetery, the other is newly planted on the grave of Mr. George F. Harison in Trinity Church Cemetery. Harison’s plant was grown from cuttings taken from the Baltimore cemetery. It’s possible that this rose may be the long lost 1854 variety ‘Beauty of Greenmount’[sic], a red shrub rose created by James Pentland while he was the head gardener of Green Mount cemetery. Pentland’s rose was included in the inventory of 19th century New York nurseries.
Green color, no fragrance, and small blooms - this rose was a popular conversation piece
among the elite gardeners of NYC when it was first sold during the 1830s. Of unknown origins, this three-foot shrub was rumored to be a sub-rosa symbol for the Underground Railroad
. Peter Henderson, nurseryman from Jersey City, described in best in 1894: “...of no beauty whatsoever, only sought for as a curiosity.”
Deep yellow, fragrant blossoms adorn this tall growing shrub rose. Thought by some to be the “Yellow Rose of Texas,” this beauty created a sensation when first introduced in NYC around 1830 by George Folliott Harison, who created this rose in his Manhattan garden. ‘Harison’s Yellow’ is planted near Mr. Harison’s grave in Trinity Church Cemetery.
A pale pink rose popular among gardeners and florists of 19th century New York. In 1842 ‘Hermosa’ rose was grown in the greenhouses of D. Monck, a florist on 2nd Avenue near 28th Street. ‘Hermosa’ means “lovely” in Spanish, and is a fitting name for this beauty. In 1879, Jersey City florist Peter Henderson discovered a climbing form of this small shrub and named it ‘Setina
’.
Sr. Lorenzo de Zavala
, a distinguished Mexican statesman, brought this crimson rose, named in honor of Louis XVIII of France
, to NYC circa 1835. Eventually moving to Texas
, Zavala had a strong disagreement with Santa Anna
and fought with the Texians [sic] in the Battle of San Jacinto
. It was said that his wife watched the battle from her garden, where this rose was planted. The Zavalas always maintained a home in New York City, where he may have also planted this rose. There are those who call this the “Red Rose of Texas”-- perhaps it also is the “Red Rose of New York?”
The deep pink, intensely fragrant rose was introduced from France
in 1853 to honor the wife of Daniel Boll of Noe & Boll Florists, New York City. The nursery was located in what is now Times Square. Daniel Boll is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in a grave that had been forgotten for many years until recently located by members of the Heritage Rose Foundation.
Pure white with a green button eye, this fragrant damask rose can grow to five feet tall and wide. On June 22, 1837, this green-eyed beauty was offered for sale at Noe & Boll, Florists of Manhattan.
This fragrant red Bourbon rose of unknown origin has been found in gardens throughout the world. One such discovery was in the garden of Mattie Breedlove, whose garden was in an earthen, swept yard - characteristic of her African culture. Ms. Breedlove allowed cuttings to be taken, thereby returning this beautiful rose to commerce. The Harlem garden of John M. Bradhurst, a Manhattan apothecary
, was famous for its collection of Bourbon roses.
A fragrant white rose of unknown origin discovered on the island of Bermuda
during the 20th century. It’s a variety of a tea rose, a class of 19th century roses thought to be too delicate for northern climates. However, R. F. Carman (buried in Trinity Church Cemetery) was praised for his superb collection of tea roses. The Carman garden was north of the cemetery.
Pale pink with exquisite blooms, this fragrant 19th century Irish beauty was introduced to New York gardens during the influx of Irish immigrants. The large roses are produced all summer on a 5-8’ upright shrub.
Small flowers of white and pink with a delightful fragrance are produced in clusters throughout the summer. According to tradition, this moderate growing shrub was created by George Washington
circa 1790 and named by him for his mother, Mary Ball Washington
.
Princess de Nassau’ covered arbors and fences in 19th century New York gardens with fragrant creamy-white roses all summer long. Of French origin, this was one of the many “Musk Cluster Roses” sold in Manhattan during the 1840s.
Sr. José Marrero-Torrada, a horticulturalist who wrote Las Rosas del Ayer - a fine monograph
on the heritage roses of Puerto Rico
, recently discovered this rose on the islands. “Puerto Rico” is upright shrub that produces medium-sized, fragrant creamy-white roses all summer long. Some rose experts suspect that this found rose may be the same as the Bermuda Mystery Rose “Maitland White”.
This fragrant reddish-purple rose, named for King Louis XVIII of France, was the most popular florist rose in Manhattan during the 1840s. A good garden plant as well, this medium-sized shrub was especially beautiful in the garden of R. F. Carman in 1841.
Sold in New York City as long ago as 1844, this climbing rose was planted near graves and used in mass plantings in the garden style cemeteries of the Victorian era
. A rose of uncertain heritage, this purple red June blooming hybrid has many aliases. One, ‘Old Spanish Rose’, leads some rose experts to believe that this beauty sold in New York City during the 1830s may have been brought to America by explorers from Spain
.
Scotch roses, native to Great Britain
, came to Manhattan with the earliest English settlers. The plants in our collection, unknown pink and white varieties, were recently collected from cellar holes in upstate NY where they’ve existed for centuries without any care. In 1811 these spring-blooming roses were included in the Elgin Botanic Garden (present-day site of Rockefeller Center
).
This pink June-blooming rose is suspected by some to be ‘Celsiana’, but not everyone agrees. Those who live in Sag Harbor know it as “The Shipwreck Rose.” On its way to Manhattan nurseries, the clipper
Louis Philippe went aground, causing the crew to throw the cargo (champagne, potted trees, precious French roses) onto the sand. This rose was rescued and today thrives in gardens of Sag Harbor.
One of the most popular French roses ever introduced, this light pink very fragrant Bourbon dates to 1844. Introduced thirty years after the death of Empress Josephine, this ever-blooming shrub rose was a nostalgic nod to her famous chateau and gardens. This fashionable rose was prominently displayed in gardens of 19th century New York City Francophile
s.
District
Districts are a type of administrative division, in some countries managed by a local government. They vary greatly in size, spanning entire regions or counties, several municipalities, or subdivisions of municipalities.-Austria:...
in the country. It is the result of the efforts of the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and the Heritage Rose Foundation, a non-profit organization
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
dedicated to the preservation of old rose
Rose
A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows...
s.
The Heritage Rose District includes the western portion of Northern Manhattan between West 135th and West 163rd streets, with Broadway
Broadway (New York City)
Broadway is a prominent avenue in New York City, United States, which runs through the full length of the borough of Manhattan and continues northward through the Bronx borough before terminating in Westchester County, New York. It is the oldest north–south main thoroughfare in the city, dating to...
and Trinity Church Cemetery
Trinity Cemetery
Trinity Cemetery was founded on Trinity Sunday in 1869 as the first cemetery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. It is located on West Lake Road in Erie, Pennsylvania. The parish cemeteries of Holy Trinity and St...
at its center. There are also additional plantings on the grounds of Trinity Cemetery and at several nearby locations. The Heritage Rose District, with an initial collection of over a hundred roses, was established by the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and the Heritage Rose Foundation in Fall 2009.
Heritage Rose District Boundaries
The Heritage Rose District generally encompasses the western portion of Northern Manhattan between West 130th and West 162nd streets, with Broadway and Trinity Cemetery at its nexus. Several plantings in the neighborhoods of West Harlem and Washington HeightsWashington Heights, Manhattan
Washington Heights is a New York City neighborhood in the northern reaches of the borough of Manhattan. It is named for Fort Washington, a fortification constructed at the highest point on Manhattan island by Continental Army troops during the American Revolutionary War, to defend the area from the...
are inspired by local history. In each planting, all of the roses are varieties that grew in Manhattan during the 18th and 19th centuries—many of which were originally grown in gardens located in Northern Manhattan. The roses planted in the Heritage Rose District have been donated by nurseries across the country, from as far away as California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
History of the Heritage Rose District of NYC
Inspired by newly-planted heritage roses at the graves of New Yorkers interred in Trinity Church Cemetery and MausoleumTrinity Church Cemetery
Trinity Church Cemetery consists of three separate burial grounds associated with Trinity Church in Manhattan, New York, USA. The first was established in the Churchyard located at 74 Trinity Place at Wall Street and Broadway...
, the Rose District was established as a means to strengthen the community’s ties to the area’s history and to raise the visibility of their neighborhoods. The Heritage Rose District was also created as a way to link the numerous cultural resources of Upper Manhattan.
The planting of those roses was spearheaded by the Heritage Rose Foundation. In the Spring of 2009, the Foundation planted the Harison's Yellow, thought to be the original “Yellow Rose of Texas,” near the grave of George Folliott Harison, who in the 1830s created this rose in his Manhattan garden. In addition, at the grave of John James Audubon
John James Audubon
John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He was notable for his expansive studies to document all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats...
, the Foundation planted the “Audubon,” a red rose created to celebrate the famed naturalist
Naturalist
Naturalist may refer to:* Practitioner of natural history* Conservationist* Advocate of naturalism * Naturalist , autobiography-See also:* The American Naturalist, periodical* Naturalism...
whose estate became Trinity Church Cemetery.
As a result of their plantings that spring, the Office of the Manhattan Borough President became interested in the Foundation’s work. On October 24, 2009, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, along with NYC Parks & Recreation Manhattan Borough Commissioner Bill Castro and Stephen Scanniello, president of the Heritage Rose Foundation, broke ground on the nation’s first official “Heritage Rose District” in West Harlem and Southern Washington Heights.
The Heritage Rose Foundation
The Heritage Rose Foundation was established in 1986 and is devoted to the preservation of old roses. It is a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of heritage roses and promotion of their culture; as well as to establish gardenGarden
A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. The most common form today is known as a residential garden, but the term garden has...
s where these roses may be grown and appreciated by the public; to promote public knowledge and appreciation of heritage roses and their preservation.
Goals of the Heritage Rose Foundation (as defined by the foundation)
- The collection of roses originating in the nineteenth century or earlier and roses with particular historic, educational, or genetic value (heritage roses).
- The establishment of one or more gardens wherein heritage roses may be grown and displayed.
- The advancement of research and investigations into heritage roses, including history, identification, genetics and breeding, plant propagationPlant propagationPlant propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources: seeds, cuttings, bulbs and other plant parts. Plant propagation can also refer to the artificial or natural dispersal of plants.-Sexual propagation :...
, diseases and pests, and suitability for landscape use. - The publishing and dissemination of information about heritage roses, including any and all research that emanates from the foundation.
- The establishment and maintenance of a library of books, periodicals, research paperResearch paperResearch paper may refer to:* Academic paper , which is published in academic journals and contains original research results or reviews existing results* Term paper, written by high school or college students...
s, manuscripts, catalogues, and other items to facilitate further research and investigation into heritage roses. - The establishment of public knowledge of heritage roses through seminars, meetings, forums, panels, lectures, tours and exhibits designed to encourage and increase the public's perception of heritage roses.
Expanding and sustaining the Heritage Rose District
The Heritage Rose District of NYC welcomes proposals for additional planting sites. Proposed sites should meet the following criteria: plenty of sunlightSunlight
Sunlight, in the broad sense, is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere, and solar radiation is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon.When the direct solar radiation is not blocked...
, protection from the elements, separation from walking paths, protection from road salt and other de-icing agents, and dedicated maintenance by an individual or organization. Sites surrounded by fencing and/or on raised beds are particularly well suited.
About the Roses
The majority of roses selected for the Heritage Rose District are known to be grown in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
before the twentieth century. Some were created in the city, while others were imported from around the world. All celebrate the neighborhoods of West Harlem and Washington Heights and the history of New York City.
Roses in the District
Descriptions taken from the Manhattan Borough President's Office website and provided by the Heritage Rose Foundation. Single quotes with a name denote a known name. Double quotes denote a “study” name, meaning the rose is in commerceCommerce
While business refers to the value-creating activities of an organization for profit, commerce means the whole system of an economy that constitutes an environment for business. The system includes legal, economic, political, social, cultural, and technological systems that are in operation in any...
but its origins have been lost.
- ‘Apothecary's Rose’ and ‘Rosa MundiRosa MundiRosa Mundi was the name of a very short lived electronic music supergroup which consisted of Rose McDowall, John Balance and possibly Peter Christopherson. The group is only credited for one song, "The Snow Man" which appeared on the compilations The Final Solstice, The Final Solstice II as well as...
’
Both of these ancient varieties are gallica roses dating back to medieval times. ‘Rosa Mundi’ is a striped sport, or mutation, of the red ‘Apothecary’s Rose’. These spring-blooming shrubs were included the 1811 inventory of the Elgin Botanic Garden. Dr. David Hosack
David Hosack
Dr. David Hosack , a noted physician, botanist, and educator, is perhaps most widely known as the doctor who attended to Alexander Hamilton after Hamilton's deadly duel with Aaron Burr. Born in New York City to parents Alexander and Jane Hosack, David was the first of their seven children...
, the curator of this long-gone garden, is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery.
- ‘Audubon’
Christened in 2004, this red rose celebrates the famed naturalist who is interred at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum. Five-petalled fragrant roses cover this four-foot shrub all summer long. This rose is planted at Mr. Audubon’s grave on the eastern portion of the Cemetery at Broadway and W. 155th.
- ‘Baltimore Belle’
Named for the daughter of a reformed drunkard, this climbing rose created by Samuel Feast was introduced to NYC from Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
in 1843. After his death, Feast’s nursery became part of the Baltimore estate known as “Harlem.” The light pink roses bloom in June.
- ‘Celsiana’
Of Dutch origin pre-18th century, this popular rose was undoubtedly in early Dutch gardens in New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam was a 17th-century Dutch colonial settlement that served as the capital of New Netherland. It later became New York City....
. A tall-growing shrub, ‘Celsiana’ produces pink flowers in June.
- ‘Centifolia’
Also known as cabbage roses, centifolias were grown in Manhattan’s Dutch gardens as early as 1650. One interesting citing of this rose was by Fredika Bremer, author of The Homes of the New World (1853). Ms. Bremer observed female inmates in the Tombs
The Tombs
"The Tombs" is the colloquial name for the Manhattan Detention Complex, a jail in Lower Manhattan at 125 White Street, as well as the popular name of a series of preceding downtown jails, the first of which was built in 1838 in the Egyptian Revival style of architecture.The nickname has been used...
tending a bed of these shrubby pink roses.
- ‘Cramoisi Supérieur’
The cherry-red roses of this small plant were sold at the Harlem-based nursery of Floy and Sons in 1835, two years after it was first produced in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. One of the many popular continuous-blooming French roses found in gardens of New Yorkers, it was also noted in the 1842 garden of D. Monck. Monck grew roses for the cut flower/florist trade. Monck had one entire greenhouse
Greenhouse
A greenhouse is a building in which plants are grown. These structures range in size from small sheds to very large buildings...
devoted to ‘Cramoisi Supérieur,’ where he grew them in pots.
- ‘Duchess of Portland (rose)|Duchess of Portland’
A red rose with strong fragrance, ‘Duchess of Portland’ was grown in 18th century Manhattan in kitchen garden
Kitchen garden
The traditional kitchen garden, also known as a potager, is a space separate from the rest of the residential garden - the ornamental plants and lawn areas...
s. During the 19th century, ‘Duchess of Portland’ was used to create a new class of roses known as Portland roses. Swiss-born horticulturist Daniel Boll sold many Portland roses at his nursery located at 52nd street and Bloomingdale Road.
- ‘Fellemberg’
The nursery of Noe & Boll (located near present day Times Square
Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets...
) listed this rose in their 1837 inventory. It’s appropriate that Daniel Boll, a Swiss born gardener, would sell this rose. It’s suspected that this rose is of Swiss origin, as well. A short growing climbing rose. ‘Fellemberg’ (also spelled ‘Fellenberg’) produces cherry-red roses throughout the summer and autumn.
- ‘Graham Thomas's Single Musk’
This tall growing, extremely fragrant white rose was discovered in 20th century England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
by Graham Stuart Thomas
Graham Stuart Thomas
Graham Stuart Thomas OBE , was an English horticulturalist, artist, author, poet and garden designer.He was born in Cambridge and studied in the University Botanic Garden at Cambridge University...
. It’s thought to be Rosa moschata
Rosa moschata
Rosa moschata is a species of rose long in cultivation. Its wild origins are uncertain but are suspected to lie in the western Himalayas.-Form:R...
(the Musk Rose), an ancient species rose that was considered by many to be extinct. Native to northern Africa, the musk rose was brought to New Amsterdam by Dutch settlers in 1672.
- ‘‘Green Mount Red’’
Only two plants of this small–flowered red rose are known to exist today. The oldest grows in Baltimore’s Green Mount Cemetery, the other is newly planted on the grave of Mr. George F. Harison in Trinity Church Cemetery. Harison’s plant was grown from cuttings taken from the Baltimore cemetery. It’s possible that this rose may be the long lost 1854 variety ‘Beauty of Greenmount’[sic], a red shrub rose created by James Pentland while he was the head gardener of Green Mount cemetery. Pentland’s rose was included in the inventory of 19th century New York nurseries.
- ‘Green RoseGreen RoseGreen Rose is a Korean drama television series that aired on SBS which stars Go Soo, Lee Da Hae, Lee Jong Hyuk and Kim Suh Hyung.Korean series normally run for 16 episodes, but Green Rose was extended up to 22 because of the good feedback that the show garnered in Korea.Green Rose interweaves...
’
Green color, no fragrance, and small blooms - this rose was a popular conversation piece
Conversation piece
Conversation piece is a term for an informal group portrait, especially those painted in Britain in the 18th century, beginning in the 1720s. They are distinguished by their portrayal of the group apparently engaged in genteel conversation or some activity, very often outdoors...
among the elite gardeners of NYC when it was first sold during the 1830s. Of unknown origins, this three-foot shrub was rumored to be a sub-rosa symbol for the Underground Railroad
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The term is also applied to the abolitionists,...
. Peter Henderson, nurseryman from Jersey City, described in best in 1894: “...of no beauty whatsoever, only sought for as a curiosity.”
- ‘Harison’s Yellow’
Deep yellow, fragrant blossoms adorn this tall growing shrub rose. Thought by some to be the “Yellow Rose of Texas,” this beauty created a sensation when first introduced in NYC around 1830 by George Folliott Harison, who created this rose in his Manhattan garden. ‘Harison’s Yellow’ is planted near Mr. Harison’s grave in Trinity Church Cemetery.
- ‘HermosaHermosaHermosa may refer to:* The Spanish word for beautiful or gorgeous.* The Spanish word for Formosa* Hermosa, Bataan, Philippines* MicaelaUnited States* Hermosa, Chicago, Illinois* Hermosa, New Mexico* Hermosa, South Dakota* Hermosa Beach, California...
’
A pale pink rose popular among gardeners and florists of 19th century New York. In 1842 ‘Hermosa’ rose was grown in the greenhouses of D. Monck, a florist on 2nd Avenue near 28th Street. ‘Hermosa’ means “lovely” in Spanish, and is a fitting name for this beauty. In 1879, Jersey City florist Peter Henderson discovered a climbing form of this small shrub and named it ‘Setina
Setina
Setina is a genus of moth in the Arctiidae family.-Species:* Setina alpestris Zeller, 1865* Setina aurata Menetries, 1832* Setina aurita Esper, 1787* Setina cantabrica de Freina & Witt, 1985* Setina flavicans Geyer, 1836...
’.
- ‘Louis Philippe’
Sr. Lorenzo de Zavala
Lorenzo de Zavala
Manuel Lorenzo Justiniano de Zavala y Saenz was a 19th-century Mexican politician. He served as finance minister under President Vicente Guerrero. A colonizer and statesman, he was also the interim Vice President of the Republic of Texas, serving under interim President David G...
, a distinguished Mexican statesman, brought this crimson rose, named in honor of Louis XVIII of France
Louis XVIII of France
Louis XVIII , known as "the Unavoidable", was King of France and of Navarre from 1814 to 1824, omitting the Hundred Days in 1815...
, to NYC circa 1835. Eventually moving to Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, Zavala had a strong disagreement with Santa Anna
Antonio López de Santa Anna
Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón , often known as Santa Anna or López de Santa Anna, known as "the Napoleon of the West," was a Mexican political leader, general, and president who greatly influenced early Mexican and Spanish politics and government...
and fought with the Texians [sic] in the Battle of San Jacinto
Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Harris County, Texas, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasted just eighteen...
. It was said that his wife watched the battle from her garden, where this rose was planted. The Zavalas always maintained a home in New York City, where he may have also planted this rose. There are those who call this the “Red Rose of Texas”-- perhaps it also is the “Red Rose of New York?”
- ‘Madame Boll’
The deep pink, intensely fragrant rose was introduced from France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
in 1853 to honor the wife of Daniel Boll of Noe & Boll Florists, New York City. The nursery was located in what is now Times Square. Daniel Boll is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in a grave that had been forgotten for many years until recently located by members of the Heritage Rose Foundation.
- ‘Madame Hardy’
Pure white with a green button eye, this fragrant damask rose can grow to five feet tall and wide. On June 22, 1837, this green-eyed beauty was offered for sale at Noe & Boll, Florists of Manhattan.
- ‘‘Maggie’’
This fragrant red Bourbon rose of unknown origin has been found in gardens throughout the world. One such discovery was in the garden of Mattie Breedlove, whose garden was in an earthen, swept yard - characteristic of her African culture. Ms. Breedlove allowed cuttings to be taken, thereby returning this beautiful rose to commerce. The Harlem garden of John M. Bradhurst, a Manhattan apothecary
Apothecary
Apothecary is a historical name for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients — a role now served by a pharmacist and some caregivers....
, was famous for its collection of Bourbon roses.
- ‘‘Maitland White’’
A fragrant white rose of unknown origin discovered on the island of Bermuda
Bermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
during the 20th century. It’s a variety of a tea rose, a class of 19th century roses thought to be too delicate for northern climates. However, R. F. Carman (buried in Trinity Church Cemetery) was praised for his superb collection of tea roses. The Carman garden was north of the cemetery.
- ‘Marchioness of Londonderry’
Pale pink with exquisite blooms, this fragrant 19th century Irish beauty was introduced to New York gardens during the influx of Irish immigrants. The large roses are produced all summer on a 5-8’ upright shrub.
- ‘Mary Washington’
Small flowers of white and pink with a delightful fragrance are produced in clusters throughout the summer. According to tradition, this moderate growing shrub was created by George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
circa 1790 and named by him for his mother, Mary Ball Washington
Mary Ball Washington
Mary Ball Washington was the second wife to Augustine Washington, and was the mother of George Washington.-Life:...
.
- ‘Princess de Nassau’
Princess de Nassau’ covered arbors and fences in 19th century New York gardens with fragrant creamy-white roses all summer long. Of French origin, this was one of the many “Musk Cluster Roses” sold in Manhattan during the 1840s.
- ‘‘Puerto Rico’’
Sr. José Marrero-Torrada, a horticulturalist who wrote Las Rosas del Ayer - a fine monograph
Monograph
A monograph is a work of writing upon a single subject, usually by a single author.It is often a scholarly essay or learned treatise, and may be released in the manner of a book or journal article. It is by definition a single document that forms a complete text in itself...
on the heritage roses of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, recently discovered this rose on the islands. “Puerto Rico” is upright shrub that produces medium-sized, fragrant creamy-white roses all summer long. Some rose experts suspect that this found rose may be the same as the Bermuda Mystery Rose “Maitland White”.
- ‘Rose du Roi’
This fragrant reddish-purple rose, named for King Louis XVIII of France, was the most popular florist rose in Manhattan during the 1840s. A good garden plant as well, this medium-sized shrub was especially beautiful in the garden of R. F. Carman in 1841.
- ‘Russeliana’
Sold in New York City as long ago as 1844, this climbing rose was planted near graves and used in mass plantings in the garden style cemeteries of the Victorian era
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
. A rose of uncertain heritage, this purple red June blooming hybrid has many aliases. One, ‘Old Spanish Rose’, leads some rose experts to believe that this beauty sold in New York City during the 1830s may have been brought to America by explorers from Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
- ‘Scotch Roses’
Scotch roses, native to Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, came to Manhattan with the earliest English settlers. The plants in our collection, unknown pink and white varieties, were recently collected from cellar holes in upstate NY where they’ve existed for centuries without any care. In 1811 these spring-blooming roses were included in the Elgin Botanic Garden (present-day site of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering between 48th and 51st streets in New York City, United States. Built by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National...
).
- ‘‘The Shipwreck Rose’’
This pink June-blooming rose is suspected by some to be ‘Celsiana’, but not everyone agrees. Those who live in Sag Harbor know it as “The Shipwreck Rose.” On its way to Manhattan nurseries, the clipper
Clipper
A clipper was a very fast sailing ship of the 19th century that had three or more masts and a square rig. They were generally narrow for their length, could carry limited bulk freight, small by later 19th century standards, and had a large total sail area...
Louis Philippe went aground, causing the crew to throw the cargo (champagne, potted trees, precious French roses) onto the sand. This rose was rescued and today thrives in gardens of Sag Harbor.
- ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’
One of the most popular French roses ever introduced, this light pink very fragrant Bourbon dates to 1844. Introduced thirty years after the death of Empress Josephine, this ever-blooming shrub rose was a nostalgic nod to her famous chateau and gardens. This fashionable rose was prominently displayed in gardens of 19th century New York City Francophile
Francophile
Is a person with a positive predisposition or interest toward the government, culture, history, or people of France. This could include France itself and its history, the French language, French cuisine, literature, etc...
s.