Founded in 1951 by
Bob and Thelma Witherspoon, and operated by son-in-law, David Pike
and daughter, Rhonda. Witherspoon Rose Culture is a wonderful source
of top quality rose bushes, uniquely qualified rose maintenance, and
a wealth of rose "sense" for the novice or avid rose gardener.
"Why Roses?"
Eager to use his floriculture degree from North Carolina
State College, Bob Witherspoon explored various
landscaping possibilities. "On a wing, a prayer, and a
truck," he began an adventure into the uncharted field
of "professional rose care". With his wife, Thelma
(degreed in Business Administration), he created
Witherspoon Rose Culture in 1951. The business grew
quickly as Bob's professional care of roses proved itself
in the gardens of Durham.
In 1979, the Witherspoons' son-in-law, David Pike, joined
the Witherspoon staff and began to learn the business
literally from "the ground up". Under David's current
leadership as president, the company continues to thrive,
and rose care service is available in all the major
cities of Piedmont North Carolina. The ongoing care of
over 60,000 rose bushes in more than 2000 public and
private rose gardens defines the unique experience
of Witherspoon.
In addition to overseeing the company's operations,
David is frequently asked to speak to garden clubs and
other rose related organizations in several southeastern
states. He enjoys sharing his appreciation of the
magical flower, the rose.
In August 2002, a Tiffany rose that normally renders phlox
pink blooms, began to bloom a soft champagne color on
one side of the plant. This horticultural phenomenon has
continued and reproduction of the luscious new rose has
taken place. David named the rose R.K. Witherspoon after
the founder of Witherspoon Rose Culture who passed on
August 1, 2002. A parting gift from heaven to earth,
and back to heaven again.
Top Quality Rose Bushes
Witherspoon Roses is committed to handling only the
highest quality rose plants available.
Fresh bareroot plants are dug from the vast fields of
California, where the growing season is much longer
and blackspot is nonexistent. Witherspoon's offers a
wide selection including Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras,
Floribundas, English Roses, Polyanthas, Shrubs,
Climbers, Miniatures and Tree Roses.
Upon arrival in late January, the bareroot rose bushes
are immediately transferred to a cool, climate controlled
storage area. This unique facility helps to maintain the
bushes in a dormant state. Bareroot planting is done
January through March when the weather is very cool
and the plants can continue their dormant state, while
developing a sturdy root system. As warmer weather
approaches, plants are transferred into containers and
sold as potted roses through the spring. Many
"Witherspoon roses" are pre-ordered and planted into
private gardens maintained by Witherspoon. Others are
purchased, planted and cared for by the home gardener.
Direct shipping of bareroot
roses is available for the convenience of our out-of-town customers.
Tender Loving Care
Witherspoon gives regular, consistent attention to the
needs of roses. We offer preventive and corrective
spraying for pests and diseases, fertilizing, pruning,
mulching and planting.
In caring for over 2500
gardens, the experts at Witherspoon are trained to identify and treat
various problems with the safest effective products available. Our
workers have been trained in environmental safety and are licensed
plant protectant applicators. In fact, our standards exceed those
required by the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Tender loving care" involves concern for the
environment as well as the roses.
Witherspoon Rose
Culture Offers
- Garden Installations
Design, preparation and installation of new rose gardens.
- Revitalization of Existing Gardens
Upgrading soil and replanting less productive rose gardens.
- Rose Maintenance Service
Extensive year-round care. Ongoing evaluation of each garden's
condition.
- Rose Bushes - Online Catalog
Excellent quality and wide selection.
- Rose Garden Shop
Unique selections for the rose gardener.
- Irrigation
Shur-Flo. Our choice for watering roses.
- Public Gardens
Approved by the ARS and displaying over 2000 beautifully maintained
bushes.
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Click
map for printable version
We are conveniently
located just off I-40,
between Durham and
Chapel Hill
Witherspoon Rose
Culture
3312 Watkins Road
Durham, NC 27707
919-489-4446
or
800-643-0315
A third
generation has now joined the ranks as grandson, Taylor Pike, earned
a position as Director of Corporate Development. Taylor's energy and
enthusiasm is a tremendous boost to the staff of Rose Professionals.
Witherspoon's experience in caring for literally hundreds of thousands
of rose bushes through its maintenance program creates an unquenchable
thirst for greater knowledge of the rose. The fascination in discovering
the desires of the rose is almost as wonderful as the enchanting flower
itself!
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