The Martha Stewart Hybrid Tea Rose at the NYBG
My newly released Martha Stewart hybrid tea rose will soon bloom at the renowned New York Botanical Garden.
The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is among the most popular destinations at the NYBG from May through October. This is when more than 4000 rose plants representing 37 species and at least 650 varieties of roses are flowering. The collection includes heirloom roses selected for their glorious scents as well as modern cultivars featured for their resistance to disease and pests. Last week, I was honored to have my rose planted in one of the Garden's beds. My new rose has large pink blooms, dark green foliage, and an intoxicating sweet fragrance. It was bred by Meilland, a six-generation family-owned rose-growing business, and was launched in North America through Star Roses and Plants. If you're in the New York City area this summer, be sure to include a visit to the NYBG Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- The NYBG’s Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden was originally designed in 1916 by notable landscape gardener, Beatrix Farrand. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of materials during WWI, the garden was left unfinished for decades. It was finally completed in the late 1980s with support from David Rockefeller and then named after his wife, Peggy, who loved the fragrant flowers.
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- The Rose Garden is located at the northeast corner of the expansive 250 acre property. It is shaped in a loose triangle with a center gazebo. Meticulously manicured beds along several rows lead to center focal point.
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- Climbing roses are also planted on the surrounding iron fence.
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- The garden includes more than 4000 individual rose plants on the one-acre space.
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- The NYBG selected a bed near the front gate of the garden to plant my roses. In all, 13 Martha Stewart hybrid tea roses will grow and flourish here at the NYBG.
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- The bare-root plants were first soaked overnight in water to rehydrate them. Hydrating is an important step in planting bare-roots because it boosts root growth and helps them get established faster.
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- The best location for roses is one that gets full sun. Roses do best with at least six hours of direct sun per day – morning sun if at all possible. The hole should be about a foot deep and at least two feet wide.
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- Roses also prefer to grow in well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5. The soil here is amended with good nutrient filled compost.
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- NYBG gardener and rose garden expert, Bernie, removes the twine from one of the roses and inspects the plant. The roots should be strong and moist and the plant a vibrant bright green.
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- Bernie spreads the roots over a mound in the center of the hole. This small mound forms a cone to support the root system. He also makes sure the graft union is properly positioned so it is planted one to two inches below the soil line.
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- Bernie spreads the roots out over the mound evenly and carefully, allowing soil to fall in between the roots.
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- Once the plant is securely in place, he backfills the hole.
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- And then when completely filled, Bernie tamps down to establish good contact. Bare-root roses focus most of this early time to their root growth.
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- Because the area had also been previously mulched, Bernie covers the plant with a light layer of mulch which had been neatly pushed to the side.
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- After it is planted, just the top of the canes should be sticking out. Any soil around the stems when it starts to leaf out can be moved out of the way as it grows.
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- In June, when it is in peak bloom, it will show off more than a 100 lush pink to apricot petals. (Photo courtesy of Edmunds’ Roses)
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- Next, Bernie rakes the area so groomed looks groomed and tidy.
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- A solution of Nogall and water is poured over the plants. Nogall is used as a biological control treatment for Crown Gall Disease, which forms tumor like growths on the plant and disrupts growth.
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- He also follows it up with a liquid fertilizer and fish emulsion mix – both of which will provide good nutrients and encourage healthy growth. Fish emulsion contains nitrogen to promote strong, green foliage, phosphorous to help produce abundant flowers, and potassium to strengthen the plant against disease.
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- Bare-root roses could flower in the first year if planted early enough and in the right conditions. In general, it takes a couple of years for these roses to become well established. I am looking forward to seeing this garden bed during my visits to the NYBG.
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- Hundreds of varieties fill the garden beds and grow along the fences – my rose is in excellent company.
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- Among them Julia Child, Rosa ‘WEKvossutono’ – personally selected by the acclaimed late chef herself.
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- This shrub rose is David Rockefeller’s Golden Sparrow.
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- Here are some of the fresh green foliage of climbers on the top of the iron gazebo.
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- All the roses in this garden are carefully maintained and cataloged.
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- Michael, Bernie, and Senior Director of the Communications Nick Leshi have all been at the NYBG many years and have watched this garden grow and prosper. Thanks NYBG for including the Martha Stewart hybrid tea rose in your collection.
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