The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Peggy Martin rose was one of two plants found alive in Peggy Martin’s garden after Hurricane Katrina floodwaters inundated her Plaquemines Parish property for two weeks. The climbing rose was later propagated and named for her. Its survival is a remarkable account about one plant—not proof that roses can withstand prolonged flooding. For gardeners, LSU AgCenter’s guidance is clear: give it sun and well-drained soil.
What rose survived Hurricane Katrina?
It was an unnamed climbing rose growing in Peggy Martin’s garden in Plaquemines Parish, southeast of New Orleans. Martin had collected antique roses. After Katrina in 2005, floodwater remained on the property for two weeks. When she returned, only two plants were alive; one was the rose later known as Peggy Martin. LSU AgCenter recounts the history in its 2025 retrospective.
Martin recalled seeing the surviving canes and wondering, “how is this alive when everything is completely dead?” The account documents what happened to that rose on that property. It does not establish a flood-tolerance threshold or show that other Peggy Martin roses—or roses generally—can survive prolonged saltwater inundation.
How did the rose get its name?
Before the storm, horticulture professor William Welch, who had visited Martin’s home, took cuttings of the rose. The plant had come to Martin as a cutting passed along by a friend, and its identity was unknown. After Katrina, Welch propagated and sold it, naming it for Martin.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- For sale is one Peggy Martin Climbing Rose that is approximately 6 to 12 inches tall and shipped in a quart pot
- MASSIVE CLUSTERS OF CORAL-PINK BLOOMS -- Produces an incredible display of double pink flowers from spring through fall that will completely cover trellises, arbors, fences, and walls with cascading color
- COMPLETELY THORNLESS -- Unlike most climbing roses, Peggy Martin has no thorns at all, making it easy and enjoyable to prune, train, and work with bare-handed
- THE TOUGHEST ROSE YOU CAN GROW -- Famous as "The Hurricane Rose" for surviving two weeks submerged under 20 feet of saltwater during Hurricane Katrina, this rose thrives in heat, humidity, and conditions that would kill most other varieties
- FAST-GROWING LOW-MAINTENANCE CLIMBER -- Grows vigorously up to 15 to 20 feet tall, covers large areas quickly, and thrives in zones 6 through 10 with minimal care required
According to LSU AgCenter’s 2025 account, proceeds helped support a Garden Club of America-led restoration effort for historic gardens in New Orleans, Biloxi and Beaumont. LSU horticulturist Ed Bush described the rose as able to tolerate a wide range of conditions, including salt, pest problems and poor soil. That observation is not a guarantee that it will tolerate waterlogged ground: LSU’s cultivation guidance says roses suffer in wet soils and need adequate drainage.
What is the Peggy Martin rose like?
LSU AgCenter describes Peggy Martin as a multi-stemmed, deciduous woody vine with twining and trailing growth, dark green foliage and clusters of deep pink flowers. It is generally thornless or semi-thornless and can be trained on a fence or trellis. Its typical height and width are each 6–15 feet, so allow room for substantial growth and use a sturdy support if growing it vertically. These characteristics are in LSU’s 2023 plant profile.
Rank #2
- For sale is one Peggy Martin Climbing Rose that is approximately 10 to 16 inches tall and shipped in a gallon pot
- MASSIVE CLUSTERS OF CORAL-PINK BLOOMS -- Produces an incredible display of double pink flowers from spring through fall that will completely cover trellises, arbors, fences, and walls with cascading color
- COMPLETELY THORNLESS -- Unlike most climbing roses, Peggy Martin has no thorns at all, making it easy and enjoyable to prune, train, and work with bare-handed
- THE TOUGHEST ROSE YOU CAN GROW -- Famous as "The Hurricane Rose" for surviving two weeks submerged under 20 feet of saltwater during Hurricane Katrina, this rose thrives in heat, humidity, and conditions that would kill most other varieties
- FAST-GROWING LOW-MAINTENANCE CLIMBER -- Grows vigorously up to 15 to 20 feet tall, covers large areas quickly, and thrives in zones 6 through 10 with minimal care required
When does it bloom?
Expect its main flowering display in spring, with possible rebloom in fall. LSU describes it as a repeat bloomer, but not one that flowers continuously through the season. Bloom timing and amount can vary with growing conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you grow a Peggy Martin rose in your garden?
LSU AgCenter lists hardiness zones 4–10, but that broad recommendation does not promise the same performance in every location or microclimate. Check local extension guidance for winter conditions in your area. For a suitable site and routine care, LSU’s growing guide recommends the following:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Rank #4
- 🌸 Thornless Climbing Rose – Safe and easy to handle, ideal for families and gardeners.
- 🌿 Abundant Pink Blooms – Produces clusters of soft pink, fragrant flowers from spring through fall.
- 💪 Vigorous & Fast-Growing – Quickly covers fences, arbors, trellises, or walls with lush greenery and color.
- ❄️ Hardy & Low Maintenance – Cold hardy, heat tolerant, and resistant to common rose diseases.
- 🏡 Versatile Garden Accent – Perfect for adding elegance and charm to any landscape or outdoor space.
Rank #3
- For sale is one Peggy Martin Climbing Rose that is approximately 16-28" tall and shipped in a 3-gallon pot
- MASSIVE CLUSTERS OF CORAL-PINK BLOOMS -- Produces an incredible display of double pink flowers from spring through fall that will completely cover trellises, arbors, fences, and walls with cascading color
- COMPLETELY THORNLESS -- Unlike most climbing roses, Peggy Martin has no thorns at all, making it easy and enjoyable to prune, train, and work with bare-handed
- THE TOUGHEST ROSE YOU CAN GROW -- Famous as "The Hurricane Rose" for surviving two weeks submerged under 20 feet of saltwater during Hurricane Katrina, this rose thrives in heat, humidity, and conditions that would kill most other varieties
- FAST-GROWING LOW-MAINTENANCE CLIMBER -- Grows vigorously up to 15 to 20 feet tall, covers large areas quickly, and thrives in zones 6 through 10 with minimal care required
- Sun: Choose a sunny location. Some afternoon shade may help in the hottest conditions.
- Soil and drainage: Use well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic, around pH 5.5–6.5. Do not use the Katrina story as a reason to plant it in persistently wet ground.
- Water: Provide supplemental irrigation during extended drought; maintain drainage rather than keeping the soil saturated.
- Fertilizer: Apply a complete fertilizer in spring and fall, following the product label.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to guide growth and remove unwanted canes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
