Mysterious Rose Survives Hurricane Katrina, Spreads Across America

In August 2025, a mysterious rose bush that survived the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has become a fixture in gardens across the United States. The rose, now known as the "Peggy Martin Rose," was discovered in the aftermath of the storm in Plaquemines, Louisiana, where it had withstood the hurricane's brutal force.

The rose's origins remain a mystery, but it was first given to Peggy Martin, a Louisiana gardener, in 1989 by a friend who received it from her mother-in-law. Despite extensive research, the plant's lineage beyond that point has not been conclusively identified. Experts believe the rose is likely an heirloom variety from the 1800s, possibly originating in Europe.

What is known is that the rose was the only one of Peggy Martin's 450 antique roses to survive the hurricane, which caused an estimated $125 billion in damage along the Gulf Coast. The plant's remarkable feat of survival has been attributed to its hardy, genetically-resilient nature, which allowed it to withstand being submerged underwater for weeks after the storm.

In the years since, the Peggy Martin Rose has become a symbol of strength and resilience, with its story inspiring gardeners and the public alike. The rose has been propagated and sold widely, with its popularity growing exponentially. Today, it is estimated that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Peggy Martin Roses thriving in gardens across the country.