Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Select Roses, the renowned nursery owned and operated by celebrated rose breeder Brad Jalbert. Brad is not only a local legend in British Columbia but also a globally recognized figure in the world of rose breeding. His roses are distributed by leading nurseries worldwide, including in the United States, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
This tour offered a unique opportunity to see the artistry and science behind rose breeding and to explore Brad’s beautiful nursery, even in the off-season. Here’s what I learned during this inspiring visit.
The Art and Science of Rose Breeding
Brad has spent over 34 years perfecting his craft, germinating thousands of seedlings annually to evaluate for disease resistance, bloom quality, fragrance, and other desirable traits. Although he’s scaled back from his peak of 10,000 seedlings a year, he still dedicates over a decade to testing each potential introduction.
Inside the greenhouses, Brad showed me trays of tiny seedlings just beginning their journey. “These will bloom by May or June,” he explained, adding that breeders look for a “diamond in the rough”—a seedling with standout characteristics among thousands. One of his proudest introductions is Our Anniversary, a stunning rose with deep plum-red blooms, a rich fragrance, and exceptional foliage that has earned acclaim in trials around the world.
Highlights from the Garden
Even in winter, Brad’s nursery offered plenty of fascinating examples of his work and philosophy. Here are a few standouts:
- Our Anniversary: This rose is a favorite among gardeners and rose trials alike, earning praise for its glossy, disease-resistant foliage and compact growth habit. Its deep plum-red flowers are a showstopper.
- Red Corsair: A fire-engine-red climber known for its exceptional hardiness and vigor. Brad noted that this rose remains cane-hardy even in harsh winters, with blooms that last for weeks.
- City of York: A vigorous Rambler rose that climbs arches and trellises with ease. Though it blooms only once, its fragrant white flowers make a dramatic impact during their season.
- Self-Seeded Rambler: Brad pointed out a white Rambler that had planted itself three years ago and now thrives in a challenging spot. It’s a testament to the resilience of roses and the surprises they can bring.
Insights into Rose Care
Brad’s expertise extends beyond breeding to practical rose care. Here are some of the invaluable tips he shared:
- The Importance of Dormancy: This winter was especially challenging for roses in the region. Mild weather in early winter prevented the plants from fully hardening off, leading to damage when sudden cold temperatures arrived. Brad emphasized the importance of proper dormancy for rose health.
- Pruning Winter-Damaged Roses: When assessing winter damage, Brad advises home gardeners to look for green tissue at the base of the plant. Even severely damaged roses can recover if the crown remains healthy.
- Revitalizing Old Rose Beds: After 15 years, Brad replaced the soil in one of his rose beds by swapping it with pasture soil from his property. This rejuvenation technique gives new roses the best chance to thrive.
- Growing Climbers in Containers: Brad demonstrated how cutting the bottom off a container allows roots to penetrate the ground, giving climbers like Laguna a new lease on life.
Roses in the Landscape
Walking through the nursery, it was easy to see Brad’s passion for creating gardens that inspire. From arches covered in roses to massive Ramblers growing into trees, his landscape reflects a deep love for both roses and the craft of gardening. “I’m passionate about roses,” Brad said, “but I love all plants.” His gardens also include tulips, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and other treasures, many propagated from friends’ gardens over the years.
Takeaways for Home Gardeners
Brad’s approach to rose breeding and care offers valuable lessons for gardeners of all levels:
- Invest in roses bred for disease resistance and performance, like Our Anniversary or Red Corsair.
- Prioritize proper care in winter, ensuring plants go dormant to minimize damage.
- Don’t shy away from experimenting with climbers or revitalizing old garden spaces.
Wrapping Up
Visiting Select Roses and learning from Brad Jalbert was both educational and inspiring. Even in the off-season, his nursery showcases the dedication, creativity, and expertise that have earned him worldwide acclaim. I look forward to returning during the growing season to see the gardens in full bloom.
If you have any questions about the roses mentioned here or rose care in general, feel free to drop them in the comments. And for more inspiration, check out the video tour on my YouTube channel. Happy gardening!
