Peggy Martin, famously known as the “Hurricane Katrina Rose,” is a vigorous, easy-care climber with a story as remarkable as its performance in the garden. Surviving prolonged flooding during Hurricane Katrina, this rose has become a symbol of resilience, strength, and dependable beauty.

In spring, Peggy Martin produces a breathtaking flush of blooms that can cover its long, arching canes from top to bottom. Most often seen in soft to medium pink, the flowers can also vary in color; with shades ranging from deeper pinks to pale blush and even near-white. It is not uncommon for gardeners to experience light pink to white blooms at different times, giving this rose a soft, ever-changing appearance throughout its life. Do not be alarmed if the first blooms on your Peggy are completely white- this is all part of the youthful displays of the baby rose; as the plant ages, the blooms will also mature into their true display of various pink shades.  

Though typically considered a once-blooming rose, gardeners in warmer climates have reported occasional, light fall rebloom, a welcome and somewhat unexpected encore to its main spring display.

This rose is known for its exceptional vigor, easily reaching 15 feet or more, making it ideal for sturdy locations like arbors, fences, and large trellises where it can truly shine. Due to its massive size and expansive root requirements, we do not recommend planting Peggy Martin in a pot! We find that it has the highest health and performance when planted in-ground in a location with 6 hours+ of sunshine. While often described as thornless, we’ve found the canes to be smooth, with only small prickles along the backs of the leaves.

Once established, Peggy Martin requires very little care, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Its rapid growth, adaptability, and stunning seasonal show make it a standout in any landscape.

And fair warning: once it’s in bloom, your neighbors will be asking for cuttings.