for simon

Simon,

This is why roses with very large numbers of petals often have no stamens. But don't ignore the really double ones altogether. The absence of stamens can be a blessing in disguise for a hybridiser. If the stigma are viable then the absence of stamens can almost guarantee hybridity. have a look on page 197 at the account in the top right corner of how 'Maman Cochet' became the seed parent of 'William R. Smith'. It's the same reason so even though a rose might be super double with no stamens or functional stigma can become temporarily receptive.

Damm

Great book hey! Did you see the white 'Lady Hillingdon' seedling... see what I mean about thick petals.