The flower buds are very large and round. The scales are also
large, thin, and of a pale green colour, very pubescent.
The flowers are of a deep rose colour, and measure no less than four
inches in diameter. They are particularly handsome, and well formed,
the petals being as numerous as in the flowers of the Double White, and
arranged in a similar manner. The outer petals are large, round, and
spreading, a little divided, or notched, a t their apex, and about an inch
and a h alf in diameter. The greater number of them are roundish concave,
and laid over one another with the utmost regularity, in close but
distinct rows, each of which diminishes gradually, from the circumference
to tlie centre of the flower, in the number, as well as in the size and form
o f its petals : the la tter becoming narrow, short, and pointed, and some-
. what paler in colour thau those a t the extremity of the flower. Like the
Double White, th e centre is considerably elevated and completely filled
with petals, forming altogether the most perfect and beautiful double
flower, th a t it is possible to conceive.
In colour and general appearance it assimilates very closely to the
variety Imbricata, or Crimson Shell-Jlozoered, lately introduced by the
Horticultural Society, b u t may a t once be distinguished fi*om it, by the
greater size of its petals, whicli are rather darker in colour, and notched;
not entire, as the petals of th a t variety. The foliage of the two plants
is also totally different and distinct.