George Thomson (rose breeder)

George Thomson
Born	George Thomson Scotland
Nationality	Australian
Occupation	Rosarian
Known for	rose breeder

George Thomson is an Australian amateur rose breeder, known for creating disease-resistant roses tailored to the Australian climate.

Thomson was born in Scotland and trained with Alex Cocker of Cockers Roses in Aberdeen, also completing an apprenticeship at Kew Gardens.^[1]

In 1958, Thomson emigrated to South Australia, settling in Willunga, near Adelaide. He is considered to be one of Australia’s most productive rose breeders, planting over 350,000 seeds each year.^[2] He works closely with long established rose nursery Ross Roses, contributing new roses to its ‘True Blue’ collection, which is bred specifically for the Australian climate.^[1][3]

Notable roses

George Thomson roses include:

• Society Belle (2008)
• Crown Princess Mary (2006), named after Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark^[4]
• Lady Phella (2005), winner of a bronze medal at the National Rose Trial Garden of Australia^[5]
• Wildfire 2000 (2000)
• Mrs Mary Thomson (1996)
• Howard Florey (1998), named after Nobel Prize-winning scientist Lord Howard Florey^[6]

References

1. http://www.arba.rose.org.au/hybridizing/George%20Thomson%20Profile.pdf
2. "Gardening Australia - Fact Sheet: Rose Breeding". Abc.net.au. 2007-01-27. Retrieved 2013-07-30.
3. "Index". Sa.rose.org.au. Retrieved 2013-07-30.
4. "Newsletter 67 | Story A rose for Princess Mary". Brand Tasmania. Retrieved 2013-07-30.
5. "Award Winners 2005". Nationalrosetrialgarden.net.au. Retrieved 2013-07-30.
6. "Postcards - Previous Feature: Art Gallery of South Australia Tours". Postcards-sa.com.au. Retrieved 2013-07-30.

External sources

• List including Thomson roses from Australian Rose Breeders Association
• Burke's Backyard information about the 'True Blue' rose collection