Herbert C. Swim was one of the major American rose breeders of the twentieth century. After joining Armstrong Nurseries, he worked under Dr. Walter Lammerts before succeeding him as Armstrong's leading rose breeder in 1940. Swim brought a strong understanding of genetics and plant vigor to his crosses and ultimately became credited with more than 100 rose cultivars.
His introductions include Sutter's Gold, Circus, Garden Party, Duet, Joseph's Coat, Mister Lincoln, and many others. Mister Lincoln, bred with O.L. Weeks, became one of America's classic fragrant red Hybrid Teas. Swim also worked with Arnold Ellis on Double Delight, another American rose that achieved worldwide recognition. Across his career, Swim repeatedly produced AARS-winning roses and demonstrated how carefully selected parentage could improve flower quality while retaining vigor and garden performance.
