The West Grove breeder and grower of award-winning roses and other plants has offered its stems to a new sweetheart. Century-old Conard-Pyle has been sold to Ball Horticultural Co.
Ball, which has a similarly rich, century-long history in ornamental plants as well as a six-continent global sales reach, will turn Star Roses and Plants/Conard-Pyle into a new division and retain its brand, staff and local facilities. It plans to then graft its strong points in woody ornamentals and sales into Conard-Pyle’s NovaFlora breeding assets and Knock Out and Star roses.
“Conard-Pyle’s leading genetics, longstanding relationships and nationwide network of customers have made it a valuable brand in the marketplace,” Ball spokesperson Cees Boonman said in a company announcement. “The company is a true pioneer in the industry, and we are thrilled to add them to Ball’s portfolio of top-quality breeding and distribution companies.”
For Conard-Pyle, the deal represents a shot of fertilizer for its future blooms.
“Over its history, Conard-Pyle has introduced some of the most popular lines of roses ever brought to market,” President and CEO Steven Hutton said. “Now combined with Ball’s strong reputation of research and development, distribution and marketing, we are confident the next several years will be exciting for the company.”
The transaction is scheduled to close in September.
Read previous VISTA Today coverage of Conard-Pyle’s latest round of rose and plant accolades here.
