Meet 2026 HILA honoree Peter Kruger

Pete Kruger’s tenure at Ball Horticultural Company spans nearly four decades and multiple roles, including leading the creation of Ball Ornamentals, which was later integrated into Star Roses and Plants.

He travels the world, seeking out new plants across all genera, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, tropicals and foliage. He works with breeders globally, helping to shepherd their plants into North America and the rest of the world.

Pete on adapting to change:  “When you’re competitive and you’ve had success, you like to think that your game’s sharp and you don’t need to change. But I have certainly learned that change is constant and it’s necessary.”