The Plant Hunter: Inside the World of International Plant Exploration with Judson LeCompte

Описание: Blooms and Beyond - Season 1, Episode 5

Episode Title:



“The Plant Hunter: Inside the World of International Plant Exploration with Judson LeCompte”


Episode Description



Ever wonder how the plants at your local garden center made their way from a breeder’s field in Japan or a mountain in China to your backyard? In this episode, Dr. Ping Yu sits down with Dr. Judson LeCompte, Product Development Manager at Spring Meadow Nursery and international plant hunter for Proven Winners Color Choice. Judson shares the fascinating—and often hilarious—realities of traveling the globe to discover the next great shrub, rose, or hydrangea.



From navigating USDA quarantine regulations to sneaking into hotel kitchens to learn how to cook Chinese food, Judson reveals what it really takes to be a plant hunter in the 21st century. Along the way, he offers invaluable advice for young horticulturists: get uncomfortable, build your network through IPPS, and never underestimate the power of showing up.



Whether you’re a commercial grower curious about where new genetics come from, a student dreaming of a career in plant exploration, or simply someone who loves a good plant story, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of horticulture’s most unique careers.



Listen Time: ~51 minutes


In This Episode

Featured Guest




• Dr. Judson LeCompte - Product Development Manager (Plant Hunter) at Spring Meadow Nursery, the woody plant provider for Proven Winners Color Choice. PhD in Horticulture from Mississippi State University. Originally from Alabama, now based in West Michigan.


Main Topics



Judson’s Journey to Plant Hunting (02:43 - 05:17)




• Introduction to horticulture through his grandmother, a daylily collector and hybridizer


• Volunteering at a nursery at age 14, paid in plants


• Education at Auburn University (BS, MS) and Mississippi State (PhD in tea production)


• Landing the “dream job” through an IPPS connection and a chance breakfast conversation




What Does a Plant Hunter Actually Do? (06:42 - 11:48)




• Building a global network of partners and breeders


• Preparing for international trips—from finding contacts to booking flights on a phone


• The three levels of USDA/APHIS import regulations:



• Basic import with phytosanitary certificate


• Post-entry quarantine (2 years for hydrangeas, roses)


• Controlled import permits (specialized quarantine facilities)





• Plants typically take 5-10 years of evaluation before introduction




Choosing Where to Explore (13:09 - 16:22)




• Following priority lists: what’s selling, what needs improvement


• Researching breeders through papers, social media, and native ranges


• Why some countries are easier to work with than others


• “I’m not climbing mountains with leeches—I’m looking for breeders who’ve done that hard work”




Traits That Make a Great Plant (16:22 - 19:09)




• Consumer appeal and performance


• Compact size (smaller gardens, smaller truck footprint)


• Environmental friendliness: drought tolerance, disease resistance, insect resistance


• Foliage color for year-round interest


• Edibles that actually taste good


• “Best in class” for every plant in the catalog




Working with 75+ External Breeders (19:09 - 22:44)




• Range from backyard hobbyists to university breeders like Tom Ranney


• Common pitfall: breeding for one trait while forgetting the rest


• Chinese breeders focused on plant patents for promotion—not sales


• The joy of finding overlooked gems in a breeder’s collection


• Delicate communication: “This is that breeder’s life work”




Bridging Academia and Industry (22:44 - 28:20)




• Helping young faculty understand promotion requirements


• Why academics should work at garden centers


• End caps reveal what excites consumers


• The breeder fee and marketing fee model at Proven Winners


• How marketing dollars flow back to drive demand




Culture Shock and Culinary Adventures (28:20 - 34:09)




• China’s biggest culture shock—but it’s changed dramatically in 15 years


• Drawing the line at horse sushi


• Recreating favorite dishes at home after every trip


• Sneaking into hotel kitchens to watch chefs cook


• “If it’s good enough for the local people, it’s good enough for me”




The Rose Revolution (39:28 - 45:18)




• Traditional rose bree...