Rose Horticulturist - Eugene Boerner

Eugene Boerner was the pioneer in the deliberate and systematic hybridization of roses. It is inspired by the systematic breeding he used in raising the cattle. He is known as the father of the Hybrid Tea class of rose. Among those cultivars, there are the Hybrid Tea ‘Lady Mary Fitzwilliam’ (1882), a parent of ‘Mme. Caroline Testout’ and the Hybrid Perpetuals ‘Captain Hayward’ (1893) and ‘Mrs. John Laing’ (1887).

Eugene Boerner, Papa Floribunda, Director of Research at Jackson & Perkins

Eugene Boerner was a world-renowned rose breeder, and a pioneer in development for Floribundas. Which earned him the name of Papa Floribunda. Eugene Boerner in his 45 years of career life at Jackson & Perkins, he developed more than 60 floribundas rose cultivars. Among those rose cultivars, 11 of them were given the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award.

From a Pilot During WWI to Rose Breeder

During WWI, Eugene Boerner served as a pilot. He only first planted his rose gardens in Illinois. During his horticulture career, he always wanted to create cold hardy rose, which make him famous for improvements to the Floribunda rose, hybridization and resilience.

Gene Boerner the Rose Breed that Bears Eugene Boerner’s Name

Gene Boerner is a nice , strong, hardy and disease resistant breed which rarely without bloom. The class of Gene Boerner is Floribunda with mild fragrance and bloom size normally around 2-3 inches. A fully grown Gene Boerner should have around 26 to 40 petals. Full sun is required, and pH of soil should between 5.6 – 7.8 for growing Gene Boerner. Flowering time is normally during spring, summer, and Fall.