Dr. David Zlesak combines academic horticulture with practical rose breeding. A professor and plant breeder, his work has focused heavily on genetics, plant health, disease resistance, cold hardiness, and roses capable of performing reliably without excessive inputs. He is also part of the breeder network working with Star® Roses and Plants to develop and evaluate new rose genetics.
Among his most recognizable contributions is the Pretty Polly® Series, including Pretty Polly® Pink, Pretty Polly® White, and Pretty Polly® Lavender. These compact Polyantha roses combine repeat flowering with cold hardiness and strong disease resistance, and members of the series have earned recognition from programs including American Garden Rose Selections, American Rose Trials for Sustainability, and the UC Davis Blue Ribbon™ trials.
Zlesak's broader importance lies in the intersection between research and commercial breeding. Rather than treating disease resistance, winter survival, flower production, and ornamental value as separate goals, his work attempts to bring them together into plants that remain attractive while being genuinely useful in diverse garden climates.
