This ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ honeysuckle is one of 144 plants bred and introduced by Dr. Frank Leith Skinner (1882 – 1967) of Dropmore, Manitoba. Skinner emigrated to Canada from Scotland with his family as a boy to homestead. Fascinated by plants, he set out to learn as much as he could about them. He became self-taught horticulturalist and plant breeder with a passion for plants that would withstand the cold, prairie climate.
By 1925, Skinner established his commercial nursery. He corresponded with a network of people around the world from whom he acquired and introduced hundreds cold-hardy trees and plants including the Manchurian pear, Swiss stone pine, Siberian larch, and Mongolian linden. He bred many plants still grown today including roses, lilacs, lindens, maydays, and catmint to name but a few.
Skinner was internationally respected for his work and was bestowed numerous honours including the Stevenson Memorial Gold Medal, a Doctorate from the University of Manitoba, and a Member of the British Empire for his contributions to horticulture science.
His horticultural legacy lives on through his son Hugh Skinner, also a horticulturalist, writer, educator, and plant breeder. The original Dropmore site near Roblin, Manitoba is now an arboretum dedicated to his father’s lifetime achievements and well worth a visit. www.skinnerarboretum.ca
Dr Frank Leith Skinner
'Dropmore' is the signature name of many plants and trees bred by Dr Frank Leith Skinner