Around 1900, roses grown in the fields of Luxembourg City and its surroundings were exported worldwide. Up to 10 million plants left Luxembourg’s rose nurseries each year to bloom in, among others, princely, royal, and presidential parks.

Many rose varieties of the time were named after crowned heads, heads of state, public figures, as well as members of rosarian families.

The most famous rose-growing companies in Luxembourg were Soupert et Notting, Ketten Frères, Gemen, and Bourg—names known far beyond our borders. Indeed, rosarians did not hesitate to embark on long journeys to advise their prestigious clientele. Evrard Ketten notably assisted in planting roses in the Tsar’s garden in St. Petersburg. Jean Soupert planted roses in Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro’s municipal park.

The reputation of the Soupert company was such that Jean Soupert was considered the King of Luxembourg roses—primus inter pares—his international reputation was rock solid! Several rosarian dynasties are known.

The rosarians were independent entrepreneurs: The 19th-century Luxembourg rosarians were self-employed. They were both horticulturists and business leaders— as such, they were important employers. Indeed, they needed a lot of labor to manage their plantations, which could cover a total of 100 hectares.

Until World War I, rose breeding and cultivation in Luxembourg were a national economic factor. Rose growers were true pioneers of the rose industry and Luxembourg’s openness to the world. Their commitment brought the country exposure, prestige, and revenue.