Product Description

Featuring a fascinating history of the rose, origins of individual names, and a showcase of the world's best-loved roses, the ARS Encyclopedia of Roses is a complete guide to the care and cultivation of more than 2,000 roses. Cataloged in an easy-to-follow A-Z format and lusciously illustrated, this indispensable reference is destined to become every gardener's rose bible.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #314575 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

From Booklist
This encyclopedia, a beautiful tribute to America's favorite flower, contains information on nearly 2,000 roses from the earliest species to the most modern cultivars. Each A-Z entry, accompanied by a short description and a true-to-color photograph, lists both cultivar name and registered or trademark name, synonym and code names, the classification group to which the rose belongs, its origin and parentage, size and scent, flowering information, mature height and spread, hardiness zone, and awards. Since entries are listed by the name the rose was given when introduced, there are numerous cross-references to point users to the correct entry. For example, the Peace rose is found under its breeder name of Mme. A. Meilland.

Eighty-nine roses are highlighted in special entry boxes where the parent plant and its sports (mutations) are shown together. More than 40 feature panels profile nurseries, rose growers, and famous rose gardens from around the world. There are sections on cultivating roses, a glossary, a species index, a directory of rose societies throughout the world, a list of Web sites, and a very short general index.

The book is lacking in only a few types of information that would have assisted users. Since most gardeners choose roses by color, a color index would be helpful. Similarly, multiple indexes would aid patrons looking for a particular type of rose, such as a climbing rose or a rose with certain properties, such as fragrance or resistance to disease. Some additional cross-references would help with American names of foreign roses such as New Zealand's Land of the Long White Cloud (known as Full Sail in the U.S.).

These lapses aside, this is an excellent resource about roses. It will delight gardeners whether they wish to find information or merely browse and is highly recommended for both public and academic libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Charles Quest-Ritson has traveled the world in pursuit of the rose and has 20 years experience as a grower, lecturer, judge, and author. His books include DK's Garden Finder and A Social History of Gardening.

Founded in 1892, the American Rose Society is among the world's largest specialized plant societies, with approximately 25,000 members. It serves as the international registrar for all classes of roses. Based in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Gardens of the American Rose Center is the nation's largest park dedicated to roses.

Customer Reviews

You need this on your shelf!
I hesitate to call any reference book a "Bible", as the term is overused, but it may apply in this instance.
Excellent resource for experts and novices alike. A must have for the serious rosarian.

Best of the Best
Without a doubt this is my favorite book on Roses. There are numerous wonderful books on Roses - but I NOW could not live without this book. Simply great information such as the size of the rose bloom, whether the particular rose is once-blooming or a repeat-bloomer, strengths and defects, year introduced, etc., such useful and interesting details. From me, a big "Thank You" to Charles and Brigid Quest-Ritson for writing and putting this book together!

1st Edition of The American Rose Society Encyclopedia
It would be difficult to over praise this excellent encyclopedia. The photography is outstanding; the descriptions of roses intense yet easily understood, and the added features on various rose breeders and their histories are so helpful. The introduction directs the reader on how to use the book to best advantage. Yes, a marvelous book, this first edition of The American Rose Society.