Page 47 - Ma 2023 Galveston Monthly

water for two weeks…the rose miraculously survived and
continued to thrive.
Dr. Welch named it “The Peggy Martin Rose” and
encouraged several growers, including the Greater
Houston Community Foundation, which managed a
charitable fund geared to cultivation and propagation, to
ensure that “The Peggy Martin Survivor Rose” became
available across the area.
For some time, sales of each rose helped to subsidize
garden-restoration projects in New Orleans and
Beaumont, Texas, as well helped underwrite and restore
greenspaces and gardens along the Mississippi, Texas, and
Louisiana coastlines.

Growing peggy Martin Roses
The Peggy Martin Rose is a multi-stemmed deciduous
woody vine with a vigorous trailing and twining habit of
growth. A perennial, grown in zones 4-9, it can attain a
height or length of 12-15 feet or more.
It boasts dark green foliage and an abundance of pink
blossoms with white overtones and gold eyes that are
excellent for cuttings from spring to mid-fall. It thrives
in full sun needing only average amounts of water; the
blooms are especially attractive to bees.
Though touted as “thorn-less,” there are prickles on
the undersides of the leaves while the canes are free of
thorns. Longer canes will root into the adjacent soil if they
reach to the ground.
Mostly disease-resistant, occasional maintenance of The “Peggy Martin Rose” can also be used as a climbing
the Peggy Martin should include a fertilizer in the spring vine or as an attractive trellis embellishment. There
and again in the fall with a complete formula. Prune in are many types of trellis options to consider from store
late winter or early spring removing dead or damaged purchased to custom made or as a DIy project. Possibilities
wood and prune canes by about one-third of their vary in style and materials.
length. Remove any in-wood facing canes to promote air Cedar is an excellent choice as it is rot-resistant, can
circulation. withstand the elements and will remain long-lasting. A
The use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil is bamboo trellis would be considered eco-friendly as well as
recommended in the event of an invasion of aphids or budget friendly. Metal or wire are other durable and long-
spider mites or a fungicide for any fungal disease. lasting selections that may be constructed from galvanized
yellowing of the leaves can be caused by drought, steel that will resist rust and corrosion.
saturated soil, excess fertilizer, iron deficiency, or fungal An alternative to a trellis is the use of an arbor that can
disease. To improve the soil the addition of compost, aged provide a stunning eye-catching and charming pathway to
manure, or leaf mold can be helpful. your garden areas.
As with most roses, full sun is preferred especially in the Propagating the rose is easily accomplished. Use a 6-to
morning to dry the nighttime dew, but some afternoon 8 inch cutting from current growth (cut the stem at an
shade can be tolerated. angle below a leaf node). Remove lower leaves and apply
When watering, early morning or late afternoon is best. rooting hormone.
Using a stick, poke holes in a container of potting mix.
Water until the soil around the base is saturated but
image courtesy of mikki senkarik watering the leaves which can cause fungal diseases. Less cuttings and water the surface. After several weeks (five to
Place cuttings into the holes, firm the soil around the
allow the soil to dry out between applications and avoid
ten) the roses will have rooted and may be repotted.
water is needed in winter months.
Contemplate joining this horticultural craze; it will add a
It grows at a fast rate and, under ideal conditions, can be
expected to live more than thirty years. It is interesting to
new presence to your property and private spaces as well
note that Peggy Martin’s mother’s rose lived to a hundred
as adding to the beauty and charisma of our magnificent
years.
Galveston Island. GM
MAY 2023 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | 47