About Us

Witherspoon Rose Tulture

Begun in 1951 by Bob and Thelma Witherspoon, and operated by son-in-law, David Pike and grandson, Taylor Pike, Witherspoon Rose Culture is a wonderful source of top quality rose bushes, uniquely qualified rose maintenance, and a wealth of rose “sense” for the novice or avid rose gardener.

“Why Roses?”

Eager to use his floriculture degree from North Carolina State College, Bob Witherspoon explored various landscaping possibilities. “On a wing, a prayer, and a truck,” he began an adventure into the uncharted field of “professional rose care”. With his wife, Thelma (degreed in Business Administration), he created Witherspoon Rose Culture in 1951. The business grew quickly as Bob’s professional care of roses proved itself in the gardens of Durham, North Carolina.  

In 1979, the Witherspoons’ son-in-law, David Pike, joined the Witherspoon staff and began to learn the business literally from “the ground up”. Under David’s current leadership as president, with his wife Rhonda as vice president, David, an ARS certified Consulting Rosarian, has led the company to its current state of success offering rose care service across North Carolina. The ongoing care of nearly 80,000 rose bushes in more than 2500 public and private rose gardens defines the unique experience of Witherspoon.

David and Rhonda’s son, Taylor Pike, returned to the family business after college graduation in 2002 and has now earned the position of Chief Operating Officer, managing an energetic staff of 57.  After college, daughter Mary Alice Pike returned to Witherspoon Rose Culture in 2010 to round out the strong family team as Webmaster and Manager of the Garden Shop in Durham.  In addition to overseeing the company’s operations, David and Taylor are asked to speak to garden clubs and other rose related organizations in several southeastern states. They enjoy sharing their appreciation of the magical flower, the rose.

As of March, 2009, there are three shopping locations for premium Witherspoon roses and products.  The Garden Shops at Witherspoon are located in Durham and in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Find illustrations and instructions as well as a colorful shopping experience at www.Witherspoonrose.com.

In November, 2010, a facility was secured in Greenville, NC, to house the sixth rose maintenance service hub in North Carolina.  This site is added to the ones in Durham, Charlotte, Wake County, Lexington, and Wilmington, which serve most counties in North Carolina.  Now celebrating 61 years of serving people through the outstanding care of rose gardens, Witherspoon Rose Culture is making their premium quality rose bushes available in some of the finer garden centers across North Carolina.  What Bob and Thelma Witherspoon began in 1951 was a very personal, professional, rose gardening service and supplier of premium rose bushes.  Though now statewide, Witherspoon Rose Culture is still a very personal, professional business for all of your rose needs.