Peggy Martin Rose: Now the Louisiana State Rose
From Official Plaquemines Parish Flower in April to Louisiana State Rose in June
From Plaquemines Parish
BATON ROUGE (press release) – The Louisiana Legislature proclaimed the Peggy Martin Rose as the official state rose through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 (SCR 55), authored by Senator Patrick Connick and co-sponsored by Representatives Braud, Echols, Freeman, Lacombe and Wyble.
The proclamation builds upon local recognition in Plaquemines Parish, where the parish council officially designated the Peggy Martin Rose as the parish’s official rose in April 2026.
Organizers share that the proclamation recognizes a flower that has become a powerful symbol of resilience, perseverance and renewal for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. And while known throughout the gardening world for its ability to survive extreme conditions, the new Louisiana State Rose traces its roots to Plaquemines Parish and longtime resident Peggy Martin.
From Katrina to the Louisiana State Rose: Peggy Martin Rose History
Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when catastrophic flooding submerged homes and landscapes beneath as much as 30 feet of water, a rose growing alongside Martin’s tractor shed survived more than two weeks underwater.
While much of the surrounding area was devastated, the rose endured, becoming a symbol of hope and recovery for communities rebuilding after the historic storm.
The Louisiana Legislature noted that horticultural experts regard the Peggy Martin Rose as an exceptional plant for its ability to withstand flooding, poor soil conditions and other harsh environmental challenges.
“I never imagined that a rose from my garden in Plaquemines Parish would one day become the official rose of Louisiana,” said Peggy Martin. “The Peggy Martin Rose survived Hurricane Katrina and became a symbol of resilience, perseverance and hope. Those qualities define the people of Louisiana, and I am deeply honored that this rose will now serve as an official symbol of our state. Like Louisiana itself, it has weathered storms, overcome adversity and continued to flourish. I can’t think of a more fitting symbol for our great state.”
“Few plants embody the spirit of Louisiana more than the Peggy Martin Rose,” said Senator Patrick Connick. “Its survival through one of the most devastating natural disasters in our state’s history represents the strength, determination and resilience of our people.”
“The Peggy Martin Rose is part of the story of Plaquemines Parish,” said State Representative Jacob Braud. “Its remarkable survival after Hurricane Katrina reflects the spirit of the people who call Plaquemines home. I am proud to help honor a symbol that grew from our parish and now represents the strength of all Louisianians.”
The rose was named in honor of Peggy Martin and has since gained national recognition, organizers share. Distributed throughout the country, it has helped support the restoration of historic gardens and preservation efforts while sharing its inspiring story with gardeners and communities nationwide.
Peggy Martin Rose, from Getty Images: jerryhopman
