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Breeder Profile: Thierry Delabroye

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Thierry Delabroye with his wife Sandrine and daughter Perinne.

If you've tried the Heuchera villosa hybrids like 'Caramel' PP16560 or 'Tiramisu' PPAF, you are familiar with the hybridizing work of Thierry (pronounced "Cherry") Delabroye of France. He is the man behind twelve of the H. villosa hybrids currently offered by Walters Gardens, Inc. (see below for complete list). Take one glance at these hybrids and you'll see the amazing strides Thierry has made in the genus Heuchera. There is a wide range of foliage color, leaf size, and overall plant size, though all of his villosa hybrids share an increased tolerance of high heat and humidity, and a full, robust habit.

The first member of Thierry's H. villosa collection was 'Caramel' PP16560, the only yellow-leafed seedling to come from H. villosa 'Autumn Bride'. Since that time, he has made a number of other crosses which have resulted in fantastic hybrids with amazing color breakthroughs. Still, 'Caramel' PP16560 remains Thierry's favorite introduction and Luc KIinkhamer continues to describe it as "the best perennial introduction to come out of France". It certainly has paved the way for an array of new colors in the genus.

Thierry credits his wife, Sandrine, for her tremendous support in running their family business and for spotting the yellow-leafed seedling that became 'Caramel' PP16560. He has named a hardy geranium in her honor, Geranium 'Sandrine' PPAF. Thierry also continues to be inspired by his darling daughter, Perinne, for whom Tradescantia 'Perinne's Pink' is named.