Honoring Ruth Knopf’s Legacy (1935 - 2024)

Ruth Knopf in her Sullivan’s Island home with her beloved roses.

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Ruth Knopf, a beloved Charleston horticultural community member and a true Noisette rose champion. Ruth’s passion, dedication, and unmatched expertise not only made her a preeminent authority on Noisette roses but also left an indelible mark on Charleston’s gardens and horticultural history.

Ruth’s passion brought the 2001 International Heritage Rose Conference to Charleston, establishing the city as a global destination for rose enthusiasts. In 2005, Ruth was the first recipient of the Charleston Horticultural Society's prestigious 1830 Award for her contributions to Charleston's horticulture heritage. In 2011, she was honored as a great Rosarian of the World.

She was a key force behind the creation of the antique rose garden at Boone Hall, a beautiful display that continues to inspire. Her expertise, along with JoAnn Breland, helped shape the Hampton Park Noisette Study Garden and the downtown Heritage Rose Trail, creating a living history of roses for all to enjoy.

We are grateful for Ruth's passion for the world, for championing a flower that might have otherwise been forgotten, and for leaving Charleston a more beautiful place than she found it.

We are deeply honored to accept memorial contributions to the Charleston Horticultural Society and extend our heartfelt thanks to the family for their generosity and support.

Please read her obituary here.

Ruth’s family will also be donating much of her extensive library to the Charleston Horticultural Society and will become available for check out soon.