text from the 1966 catalog, Star Roses, West Grove, Pennsylvania:
HARLEQUIN HYBRIDS This is a fascinating new strain with flowers coming in mixed colors ranging from ivory-white, through pale lilac and rose, to violet and purple, with intermediate shades of salmon, terra-cotta and amber-pink. Each mature plant will have a dozen or more delightful blooms with petals that flow backward in wonderful recurves. Growing up to 5 feet, the Harlequin hybrids display their unusual beauty in the grand style—"scene-stealers" in any garden. Individual flowers are borne from 6 to 8 inches from the central stem in a most attractive way. They measure a good 4 inches across, and you can imagine how impressive and beautiful the sight when their blooming season (late June) is at hand. Incidentally, the healthy, clean foliage of the Harlequin hybrids adds its touch of beauty to set off the flowers. The Harlequins have another notable asset... they're very vigorous, growing quickly and easily to give you their beauty generously. If you cut the blooms, as you will want to on occasion, don't take more than one-third of the stem with them... the plant needs it for long life.
