John Innes Centenary Rose planted

November 2008

A rose developed to mark the centenary of the John Innes was planted in a ceremony on Monday 17th November attended by present and former members of staff.

In its winter state it may not look much but it is emblematic of some of the greatest achievements of the John Innes Centre over the last 100 years.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the John Innes Horticultural Institution was the home of rose genetics. Researchers developed a method for propagating roses that is still used to produce millions of roses annually. They tested techniques to speed germination, conducted field trials of different root stocks and helped breeders plan crosses.

A rose may be a rose may be a rose, but to become a successful garden favourite practical problems had to be overcome and new varieties developed from the wild species.

“Research from over fifty years ago still informs how horticulturalists tend their plants today,” says Professor Chris Lamb, director of JIC. “Current research will influence the health and sustainability of agriculture and horticulture tomorrow.”

The “John Innes” rose, to be launched at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2010, was planted by Gordon Rowley, former keeper of the rose collection, on Monday 17th November. It was developed by Peter Beales roses.

In 1945 the Agricultural Improvement Council established national collections of shrubs, roses and bulbs. The aim was to build collections of ‘unique and international interest’. JIHI was selected as the centre for roses and was awarded the largest grant under the scheme. The collection was begun with wild species from botanic gardens and by September 1952 there were 792 plants.

A genealogical display covered nearly half an acre and was a living family tree of 180 garden roses. It proved so successful it was copied on a smaller scale at Cambridge and Edinburgh.

The John Innes became an important destination for rose enthusiasts, including rose-breeders, nurserymen and private growers. In the 1960s the JIHI moved to Norfolk. The collection was divided between Reading University and Colney. The Colney roses were later donated to Peter Beale’s Roses at Attleborough.

"I can remember visiting the John Innes rose collection in the 1950s, and we are delighted to have introduced this new rose to celebrate the John Innes Centenary," says Peter Beales.

John Innes Centenary events are planned across the UK from next year to celebrate some of the great scientific minds of the past and present. For example, it was the first director of the JIHI who coined the term ‘genetics’.