Hybridizer Dr. Walter Van Fleet
Piedmont On Hudson, New York/Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA
Dr. W. Van Fleet. – The American horticultural papers record the death of this distinguished plant breeder of the United States Department of Agriculture, on February 26, (1922) following an operation. Dr. Van Fleet in early life studied medicine, graduating in that profession in 1880, but he soon abandoned his profession as a doctor to take up farming, and later became editor of the Rural New Yorker. In 1910, he entered the service of the U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, and achieved notable success as a plant hybridiser : he was especially successful in the raising of Roses, of which lie made several hundred crosses. He was the raiser of 'American Pillar', which may be described as the finest of all the rambler varieties, and other famous Roses which he gave us are 'Dr. Van Fleet', 'Silver Moon'. 'Miss Mary Wallace' and 'Beauty of Rosemawr'. He also developed a blight ' resistant Pear, and raised several new varieties of Strawberries. Dr. Van Fleet also turned his attention to the improvement of the Gladiolus, two of his best known varieties being 'Princeps' and 'Mastodon'; he was the author of a useful book on the Gladiolus. --Gardeners' Chronicle January-June. p.119, 1922
Another article with photo in
The Garden Magazine, p.92, October 1918
Registrations/Introductions:
Miniature Dwarf Bearded: 'Blue Jade',
'Erne',
'Gold Bird',
'Yellow Bird'.
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BobPries - 2012-05-18