Monstruosa Italica

Berlèse, 1840, Monographie, ed.2, pp.133, 229: Leaves, 10 cm x 6 cm, oval, obtuse, others oblong, a little acuminate, venation prominent, margins regularly serrated, of an ordinary green; buds, very large, obtuse scales yellowish. Flower, over 10 cm across, dou­ble, cherry red, sometimes very bright; petals various, the largest 4 cm wide, the others oblong or rounded, indented and displayed with some regularity. The centre is composed of unequal, irregular petals mixed with a few stamens. Flower resembles Elegans. Originated by Negri, Italy. Synonym: ‘Monstrosa Negri’. Orthographic error: ‘Monstrosa Italica’. Although a dis­tinct variety, the name ‘Empereur d’Autriche’ has been erroneously applied to Monstruosa Italica. Received an RHS., First Class Certificate in 1865 as ‘Monstrosa Negri’