William A. Warriner became one of the most productive breeders in the history of Jackson & Perkins. Working with enormous seedling populations, he developed approximately 110 rose varieties, with his introductions eventually accounting for tens of millions of plants sold. Jackson & Perkins credits his breeding career with 20 All-America Rose Selections awards, an extraordinary record in the era when AARS recognition was one of the industry's most influential honors.
Warriner's roses included America, Love, Honor, Cherish, Medallion, Rio Samba, Heirloom, and numerous others. In 1980 he achieved the unusual feat of having Love, Honor, and Cherish all receive AARS recognition in the same year. His work covered climbing roses, Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, and other modern classes and helped shape the Jackson & Perkins catalog during one of the company's most influential periods.
