I don't see how the references from 1649 and 1765 can be attached to 'Persian Yellow' rather than the double yellow Hemispherica that Clusius introduced around 1601.
Yes, the dates do not seem to fit 'Persian Yellow'. The reference of 1765 ia actually a translation of the Italian reference of 1649 and both could be referring to Rosa hemisphaerica. In this context there is also the mysterious reference in The New Herball of 1586 to the "yealow rose", which seems to be single. Clusius' introduction of Rosa hemisphaerica in 1601 was an introduction to the western world, this rose was known in the Orient apparently long before that.
Jedmar, Gesner (in Cordus, 1561) lists two yellow roses. 1) Rosae citrinae seu luteae, C. Rurpodius. (probably Rosa rapini) 2) Rosae moschum fragrantes, luteae, K. Augustae luteas alunt in hortis lautiores quidam, quas inodoras esse audio, (& vulpinas cognominari:) frutice tamen odorato, quem vidi illic vir entem iuxta parietes hortorum, odoreserè sylvestris Rosae foliorum, quam à vino nostri denominant. Florem siccum tantùm & inodorum vidi. Nunc plantas duas in horto alo: sed non feliciter germinantes, quòd diutius (opinor) in itinere detentae sint; & iam circa solstitium odorem etiam amisisse videntur.
I think the the second was our Rosa foetida. I've read that the leaves are sweetly scented (jasmine), but I did not know that the last time I encountered the species.
The Garden 24(621): 328 (Oct 12, 1883) Williams’ double yellow Rose—I have sometimes seen this named Persian Yellow, but both in flower and habit of growth it greatly differs from that variety. The yellow Rose to which I refer was raised by Mr. Williams, of Pitmaston, about 1826, and was said to have been raised from the single Austrian Brier. This Rose is rarely to be found in Rose lists, and there must surely be some reason for the omission, as the tree is very distinct from the Persian or Harrison’s Yellow; the flowers are larger and it continues longer in flower. I would be glad to know the cause of this old-fashioned Rose falling out of the lists of Roses worth growing.— Charles McDonald, Stokesley.
North Western Ontario, Canada USDA Zone 2 In my garden Persian Yellow has one huge flush of blossoms in early summer and then just a few off & on for the rest of the Summer. Healthy, but gets a touch of blackspot in late summer. I don't find the scent offensive.
It would be most useful if growers would be post the petal count ranges for Persian Yellow and would note if their blooms show scarlet streaks in the center.
