Harry Wheatcroft

Harry Wheatcroft (1898–1977) was an English rose grower. He did a great deal to popularise roses among British gardeners. He was known for his flamboyant appearance and opinions.

Early life

Wheatcroft was born at 23 Handel Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, the younger son of George Alfred Wheatcroft (b. 1862/3), a journeyman stonemason and builder, and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Wood. They were dedicated members of the Independent Labour Party, whose leaders visited the modest family home, and on many occasions the young Harry sat on Keir Hardie's knee. Wheatcroft attended schools in Nottingham and also the Ecole Camille Desmoulins at Saint-Quentin, France, where he became fluent in French. After working in a lace factory and a motor firm he was conscripted in 1916, despite having claimed registration as a conscientious objector. He was court-martialled for disobedience and sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Wormwood Scrubs. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, however, he was released after serving one year to convalesce at a Quaker health home.

Post-World War I Wheatcroft considered whether to enter politics or join his brother Alfred as a market gardener. The politician James Maxton guided him into horticulture, saying 'You'll bring beauty into the world. Politics is a very dirty business' . The horticultural firm of Wheatcroft Brothers was established in 1919, with a bicycle as the only means of transport, and in 1920 roses became a speciality. Alfred managed the business and Harry was the salesman, often away looking for custom and attending horticultural shows. This worked well because the two never got on, Alfred being misanthropic and Harry outgoing. In 1927 they introduced the Princess Elizabeth rose to honour the royal baby; it was the first of many public relations successes. For the rest of his career Wheatcroft sought and won media attention. He grew into a striking figure, tall and slender until he filled out in middle age, with a pleasing gruff voice and a gift for witty repartee. He cultivated flowing hair and whiskers, finding them "more convenient to grow... than to waste valuable time shaving them off." In the 1960s, he named a red rose for his wife, and a flamboyant red and yellow rose bore his own name in 1972.

Wheatcroft's niece Anna Wheatcroft was married to future Doctor Who star Tom Baker from 1961 to 1966. They had two children, Daniel and Piers. In his book Who on Earth is Tom Baker?, Baker said the rest of the Wheatcroft family treated him very cruelly during his marriage to Anna.

Death Having suffered a stroke, Wheatcroft died in Nottingham General Hospital on 8 January 1977.

Wheatcroft Garden Centre, in Edwalton in Nottingham, is now operated by Notcutts Ltd.