Grower Success Stories: Monrovia celebrates 100 years in 2026

In 1926, Harry E. Rosedale Sr. set out with a purpose. He set a goal for his newly created nursery company to grow the highest quality, most beautiful plants in North America. Now a century later, Rosedale’s goal is still a mission Monrovia has continued to foster throughout its 100-year history.  This year will be a year of celebration for the company. The entire Monrovia team sees the centennial as a chance to reflect on the historic past with an eye on what’s next.  “Reaching 100 years is a big accomplishment for any company,” said Jonathan Pedersen, Monrovia president and CEO. “One of the reasons we’ve been able to achieve this milestone is because, from the very beginning, the focus was on innovation.”  From Rosedale’s original 10 acres in the city of Monrovia, California, where the company got its name, to the first expansion in 1952 into Azusa, California, the priority was craftsmanship — a blend of the art and science of nature. Rosedale believed choosing unique varieties was the first step to bringing more beauty to landscapes across the country. The second objective was to become a world- class grower, developing robust plants with strong root systems that would perform better in home gardens.  The process to achieve these goals was methodical. Rosedale’s approach to craftsmanship brought innovations that changed the industry and became the foundation for Monrovia’s mission and values. 

PAVING THE WAY 

Industry firsts ushered in a new way to grow. Monrovia became the first nursery to implement container-grown landscape plants. Developed as a way to make shipping plants easier, the new approach quickly led to more growing advancements.  In the 1950s, the company created a research department and began tracking and documenting growing techniques. That data led to production advances that are still used throughout the industry today.  A key finding of that research was the importance of soil. Monrovia became a pioneer in the use of specialized soil mixes, creating the best growing environment for different varieties. Today, Monrovia grows in more than 40 customized soil recipes that include mycorrhizae. These soil mixes help plants establish more quickly in the landscape. According to Monrovia, it was also the first nursery to patent unique plant varieties. In 1941, for the first time, new plants beyond roses received patent protections. Over the last 100 years, the company has brought more new plants to market than any other nursery in the country.

HONORING LANDSCAPE LEGENDS 

As part of its centennial celebration, Monrovia is highlighting iconic plants that have shaped the North American landscape. The Landscape Legends collection includes 100 game-changing plants that exhibit beauty and outstanding garden performance and have inspired long-lasting customer demand.  From better performing evergreens and longer- blooming hydrangeas to hand-pruned topiary works of art and exceptional plant hunter discoveries, these distinctive selections are landscape workhorses that deliver exceptional value and beauty.  “This collection showcases plants that have truly shaped the industry,” said Katie Tamony, Monrovia chief marketing officer and trend spotter. “They’ve set a new standard in their categories, providing solutions and inspiration for landscapers, designers and home gardeners.”

A CENTENNIAL JEWEL 

Every celebration needs a marquis attraction, and Monrovia’s new hydrangea makes a bold statement. The new ‘Centennial Ruby’ hydrangea reached acclaimed status even before it became available.  “When we first saw this stunning hydrangea, we knew it was something special,” Pedersen said. “In our trial gardens, visitors would stop and stare at its intense color, asking when it would hit the market. We saw the centennial as the perfect opportunity for its debut.”  ‘Centennial Ruby’ features deep ruby-red blooms that darken as they mature. The effect is a dramatic, color-shifting display of blossoms against bright green, thick foliage. Available as a limited edition in 2026, the first 5,000 plants will include a special tag, each with a limited-edition number — just like a work of art. “This is the dramatic red hydrangea everyone has been waiting for,” Pedersen said. “It is the perfect plant to celebrate Monrovia’s milestone.”  Surpassing gardener’s expectations is part of Monrovia’s culture, and that drive pushes beyond plant material. Education played an important role in the company from the early days. Growers were known to share technical expertise and research data across the industry, a practice that continues today.  The company was also a leader in home gardener education, introducing the first consumer-friendly tags and an in-store learning tool. Introduced in the 1980s, Plant Finder helped home gardeners choose the best varieties for their needs. The tool has evolved to become a valuable resource on Monrovia’s website. My Plant Finder is still widely used by students, landscape professionals, garden centers and home gardeners alike at monrovia.com/plantfinder.  Company leaders say the anniversary provides a foundation of quality and craftsmanship that serves as a launchpad for the future.  “Our mission is the same today as it was for Harry Rosedale 100 years ago,” Pedersen said. “We are laser-focused on being premier growers, bringing the healthiest plants to gardens across North America. It’s more than a goal; it’s a legacy. We’re growing to make the world a more beautiful place now and into the next century.” Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Kathleen Hennessy is vice president of Bellmont Partners, where she helps companies generate awareness and drive consumer preference through creative content, media relations and brand storytelling.