Roses Capital of America
Tyler, Texas has been nicknamed the "Rose Capital of America" because of its large role in the rose-growing industry; about 20% of commercial rose bushes produced in the U.S. are grown in Tyler and Smith County and more than half of the rose bushes are packaged and shipped from the area. It boasts the nation’s largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October, which draws more than 100,000 spectators.
Individuals
Some rose growers are known for their particular contributions to the field. These include:
• David Austin ("English" roses)
• Joséphine de Beauharnais
• Griffith Buck, professor of horticulture at Iowa State University from 1948 to 1985, hybridized nearly 90 rose varieties. Buck roses are known for disease resistance and winter hardiness.
• Conard-Pyle Co. (Star Roses)
• Jules Gravereaux
• Meilland family
• Jean Pernet, père
• Joseph Pernet-Ducher
• Suzuki Seizo
• Mathias Tantau (Floribunda Rose)
