Happy Update on a Rose Quest

3 months ago

last modified: 3 months ago

Nine months ago, Jacques Verschuren, a grandson of the Verschuren clan of rose breeders, replied to an 8-year-old thread of mine ("Current rose bloom in Livermore") because one of my photos was of 'J. Otto Thilow' which is currently nowhere in commerce, either in Europe or North America:

"SUCH a surprise to find my grandfather's rose J. Otto Thilow in your collection of roses. This year we as Verschuren rosegrowers celebrate our 150th anniversary and our foundation is continuously searching for Verschuren heritage roses to add to our museum garden. How impossible is it to (next year) have some budwood from this rose, which is sadly not present in our heritage garden (yet???)

Kind regards,

Jacques Verschuren
Verschuren Rosegrowers Heritage Foundation
Ronduitsestraat 2
5443 BC Haps
The Netherlands

Tel.: +31 (0)6 41261904

Verschuren rosegrowers Heritage Foundation"

Well, I personally was in no way equipped to send budwood to Europe, but I put Mr. Verschuren in touch with Gregg Lowery of Vintage, who not only sent him budwood for 'J. Otto Thilow' but also 'Gloire de Hollande'. A week or so ago, Jacques emailed to let me know that the budwood was doing great and that several buds had started to grow in their garden. A welcome bit of good news in these sometimes dreary times!

Here, by the way, is a little bouquet of 'J. Otto Thilow' that I picked on January 4, 2026 (!):

It really is a great hybrid tea.

Featured Answer

Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca

3 months ago

That is so amazing that his legacy goes on! im so glad you were able to help :)

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Comments (11)

kentucky_rose zone 6
3 months ago
Catspa, that was a lovely heartfelt story! Thanks for sharing.
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked kentucky_rose zone 6
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rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
3 months ago
A truly beautiful photo, Catspa.
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
3 months ago
What a beautiful story! It thrills me When these roses Find their way home.
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
titian1 10b Sydney
3 months ago
A lovely story about a lovely rose.
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked titian1 10b Sydney
jerijen
3 months ago
WOW!!
catspa_zone9sunset14
Original Author
3 months ago
My thoughts exactly when I heard, Jeri! 'J. Otto Thilow' dates from 1927, so nearly a hundred-year-old variety, and has been almost surely on its way to virtual rose extinction once its current generation of growers passes on. As part of the museum's collection, at least, it will perhaps live on longer into the future. As it should, and the thought of that makes me glad.

Especially for an older hybrid tea, it is vigorous on its own roots and the foliage has always been sturdy and flawless for me (something that really stands out in dreadful fungus years like this one). It blooms well all season (and beyond!) and, as noted in the Vintage catalog (where I bought it), "it is one of the most beautifully formed Hybrd Teas you can grow."
nippstress - zone 5 Nebraska
3 months ago
On behalf of the worldwide rose community thanks for persisting to see these roses back in commerce! We may not have it available on this side of the world, but it is heartwarming to see nearly extinct roses come back to life in the care of those who celebrated its beginning so many years ago.

Cynthia
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked nippstress - zone 5 Nebraska
portlandmysteryrose
3 months ago
last modified: 3 months ago
Ditto Cynthia!

Thank you and Jacques Verschuren for your preservation efforts, and Catspa thank you for sharing your uplifting story with all of us. And your photo is absolutely beautiful!

Carol
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked portlandmysteryrose
catspa_zone9sunset14
Original Author
3 months ago
Gregg Lowry is the hero in this story, for first of all assembling the fabulous collection of roses that was Vintage Gardens. And, then, his incredible willingness, still, to share his resources and expertise with so many to further the cause of preserving old rose varieties. His contribution in this was essential.
judijunebugarizonazn8
3 months ago
I love this story as well and have always enjoyed seeing your photos of this rose, Catspa. I’m happy to hear that this rose has made its way back to its own family!
catspa_zone9sunset14 thanked judijunebugarizonazn8