Minnesota's Lily Hybridizers

Merv Eisel
Brainerd, Minnesota

Merv worked at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum under Dr. Leon Snyder.  He also worked with many plant families and societies.  He did a lot of work with the American Hosta Society to set up hosta identification and registry. The Arboretum now houses the registrar’s office and records for the registration of all hosta cultivars.  He was also responsible for presenting talks in connection with the extension service.  Merv had lilies planted in several fields around the Arboretum grounds. He helped Louise Koehler by having room for her lilies. The little lot she had in Owatonna couldn’t hold everything.

Merv did the paperwork and registered “Earl of Rochester” for Earl Tesca at the request of Earl’s wife, Ella. Earl had grown it from seed that he received from Stone and Paine.

When Merv retired, he bought property south of Brainerd. He also bought an old library and turned it into an antique shop.

Merv Eisel registered “Cameo Glow.”