Jackson & Perkins is proud to honor one of America’s most popular Presidents and his First Lady — with specially chosen roses bearing their names.

For the year 2004, J&P hybridizers introduced a pair of outstanding roses — the Ronald Reagan Rose and the Nancy Reagan Rose — to recognize an extraordinary couple who inspired many. We hope these luminous roses will continue to serve as a lasting tribute to our 40th President and First Lady.

The Ron and Nancy love affair began over fifty years ago.  Married in March of 1952, their bond has been a shining example of loyalty and devotion. In her autobiography, Mrs. Reagan described her life as just beginning when she married Ron. She was absolutely dedicated to his career and wellbeing. Mr. Reagan’s published collection of love letters reveals his mutual deep affection for Nancy.

When first approached with our desire to honor them with roses, Mrs. Reagan was delighted. Mr. Reagan’s preference for the color red is well known. From nearly 30 test rose varieties that we offered, Mrs. Reagan did indeed choose a magnificent red one to honor her husband. She didn’t, however, pick a standard red. The rose she selected has striking, light red petals with a crisp, white reverse. As they unfurl, the petals dramatically deepen in tone – a distinctive, all-American rose for her all-American husband.

For herself, Mrs. Reagan favored a flower that reflects her style. Its large, gracefully formed buds unfurl into superbly shaped, elegant blossoms. Each rose begins as rich coppery apricot, opening to a light peachy apricot. Gracious and feminine, this radiant variety is a perfect garden representative for the former First Lady.

The presence of Jackson & Perkins was unmistakable at President Reagan’s memorial service held at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California on June 11, 2004. Specially for the ceremony, Jackson & Perkins arranged for the planting of 800 J&P red and white roses throughout the library grounds. The previous year, J&P donated 100 Ronald Reagan Roses and 50 Nancy Reagan Roses, which became a part of the library’s permanent landscape.

President Reagan’s legacy aptly includes the fact that in 1986 he signed a resolution making the rose our national flower. Mrs. Reagan was there by his side through it all, ever supportive of the man she has always described as her hero. Together, they approached all of life’s challenges with genuine enthusiasm, never forgetting the fabulous romance that brought them together.

Expressions of grace, splendor and passion, their namesake roses, like Ron and Nancy’s great romance, will endure forever.