The world has recently mourned the passing of a cherished advocate for conservation, Dr. Jane Goodall, whose innovative research on chimpanzees and unwavering support for environmental preservation have motivated countless individuals.
Her pioneering studies and the establishment of the Jane Goodall Institute have ignited global conservation efforts and youth initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on scientific inquiry and environmental activism. Her exceptional accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, such as the Kyoto Prize and the distinction of being a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
Her legacy endures not just through her groundbreaking research and relentless advocacy but also through a beautiful homage found in gardens worldwide: the Jane Goodall Rose. Crafted in her honor, this rose embodies her lifelong dedication to safeguarding people, animals, and the environment, serving as a vibrant testament to her remarkable influence and a perpetual message of optimism.
The Dr. Jane Goodall hybrid tea rose honors the legendary conservationist with a single, stunning bloom. Each 4-inch flower unfurls with delicate pink petals that gradually shift to a warm yellow base, further enhanced by lighter hues that make it captivating from every perspective.
The plant reaches a moderate height of 3 to 4 feet, featuring lustrous, dark green leaves that create a striking contrast against its double blooms. It boasts exceptional disease resistance and requires minimal care, flourishing in well-draining soil and abundant sunlight. The blooms emit a subtle, aromatic scent. This rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
As Wes Harvell, the Rose Category Manager and Rosarian at Jackson & Perkins, recounted, the Jane Goodall Rose was bred by Dr. Keith Zary and first introduced by Jackson & Perkins in 2017.
Harvell noted, “With its tender blush-pink petals and elegant silhouette, the rose embodies the very essence of Dr. Goodall’s life and heritage: resilience, beauty, and a steadfast optimism for the future.” He described the rose as a tribute to Dr. Goodall’s transformative contributions to science, her dedication to conservation, and her remarkable ability to foster a connection with people of all ages to the natural world.
Harvell elaborated on the rose’s design, stating that it mirrors Dr. Goodall’s approach to science, which involved naming the chimpanzees she studied rather than assigning them numbers, reflecting her focus on human relationships with nature.
Henry Breed, a political advisor in the UN General Assembly, proposed the creation of the Jane Goodall Rose, with the intention of planting it in the UN’s International Peace Garden. It was unveiled in the presence of Dr. Goodall herself at the Wrigley Mansion rose garden in Pasadena on October 10, 2017, in partnership with Jackson & Perkins nursery, as reported by the Whittier Daily News.
During the unveiling, Dr. Goodall spoke to the audience with a deeply moving speech: “In the spring, I hope this [flower] will be at the U.N., as the world certainly yearns for peace. So, little rose, you have quite a task ahead of you.”
Harvell emphasized that the Jane Goodall Rose stands for hope. “For gardeners, it offers a means to keep her legacy vibrant, year after year—a constant reminder of her message that each of us can bring about change. The act of planting or presenting the Jane Goodall Rose is a gesture of remembrance and a vow to carry on Dr. Goodall’s mission of compassion, curiosity, and care for all living beings.”
Harvell explained that proceeds from the rose’s release have contributed to the Jane Goodall Institute’s endeavors. The funds were allocated to support Dr. Goodall’s primate research and her initiatives assisting disadvantaged communities around the globe.
He fondly recalls his interactions with Dr. Goodall during the project’s inception. “Jane was incredibly kind and generous in all her dealings with me and Jackson & Perkins, and she was absolutely delighted to have a rose named in her honor,” Harvell stated. “She was a pleasure to collaborate with and had a knack for making everyone feel unique. I deeply miss her and take pride in our role in supporting her lifelong mission.”
