Peggy Martin Rose Named as Official Plaquemines Parish Flower
Plus, the History of the Peggy Martin Rose
PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. (press release) – On April 9, the Plaquemines Parish Council officially designated the Peggy Martin Rose as the Official Flower of Plaquemines Parish, recognizing its historical significance and powerful symbolism of resilience, endurance and renewal.
“The Peggy Martin Rose represents the resilience of our community,” said Plaquemines Parish President Keith Hinkley. “Its story mirrors that of our people—strong, enduring and able to thrive even in the face of adversity.”
What is the Peggy Martin Rose?
The Peggy Martin Rose is deeply rooted in the parish’s history. Longtime resident Peggy Martin cultivated a garden in Phoenix, La., featuring more than 1,000 plants, including hundreds of antique roses. Among them was a unique climbing rose of unknown origin, believed to date back to the 19th century.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought catastrophic flooding to Plaquemines Parish, submerging homes and landscapes under as much as 30 feet of water. While much was lost, one rose growing along Peggy Martin’s tractor shed miraculously survived more than two weeks underwater.
This extraordinary survival transformed the rose into a symbol of hope and perseverance for the people of Plaquemines Parish and the Gulf Coast. It was later named the Peggy Martin Rose in honor of its caretaker and has since been shared across the country, helping raise funds for the restoration of historic gardens.
Organizers share that horticultural experts have recognized the flower as an exceptional plant due to its ability to withstand flooding, poor soil and harsh environmental conditions—qualities that reflect the strength and spirit of Plaquemines Parish.
The designation also comes as Peggy Martin celebrates her 80th birthday, honoring her lifelong contributions to gardening, preservation, and the cultural landscape of Louisiana.
With this proclamation, the flower will now stand as a lasting emblem of Plaquemines Parish, one that tells a story of survival, heritage and pride in Louisiana’s Delta Country.
From Getty Images: jerryhopman
