Jean Pierre Vibert
A 19th century master rose hybridizer that introduced hundreds of roses from 1816-1851. A modest man born Jan 31, 1777 in Paris, France. He joined Napoleon’s First Army of the Republic. He was injured and returned home where he set up near Dupont, which was one of Empress Josephine’s favorite rose suppliers. He took over a rose breeder’s property Decemet’s. The property included Decemet’s rose breeding notes, roses, seedlings and nursery.
He suffered the loss of one of his daughters in 1815, followed by the death of his wife soon after. He put his energy into rose breeding and selling. He published essays and article on roses in the 1820’s. He spoke out against horticultural abuses discussing the failure rated of “forced grafts”. In one of his essays he verbally attacked members of the court’s horticultural society made up of professors, botanists, artists, writers and nurseryman. He became one of the most respected rosarians and nurseryman in Paris.
He offered many varieties of roses totaling 600. Chinas, Teas, Noisettes, (Aimee Vibert was named after his daughter) Centifolias, Moses and Damasks. Introduced “Parkes Yellow Tea-Scented Chinas.
At the age of 74 he retired from his successful roses business and spent his time writing letters ad articles for journals. His nursery business was sold to his forman.
“I have loved only Napoleon and roses. There remain to me only two objects of profound hatred: the Engish who overthrew my idol, and the white worms that have destroyed my roses”. He died shortly after on January 25, 1866. His life as well as his roses continue to influence the rose world today. A rosarian held in the he highest esteem.
Vibert's roses grown in our gardens: Glorie De Rosmones (1825), Aimee Vibert (1828)