Revamp Your Gardening Experience with Martha Stewart's Green Thumb
In 2023, renowned lifestyle icon Martha Stewart decided to add a rose garden to her Bedford, New York estate. As a rose enthusiast, she sought advice from Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn, the proprietor of Rose Story Farms and the author of "The Color of Roses." During Dall’Armi Hahn's visit for the garden build, the two women discussed the idea of creating a rose named after Stewart.
Creating a new rose is an extensive process that can take years. The initial step is pinpointing the desired traits of the new bloom. Expert Consulting Rosarian and independent hybridizer Christopher Huffer explained that this involves selecting suitable parent plants. Following the pollination process, seeds will form in rose hips. Each seed carries the potential for a new rose. After years of testing and evaluation, a new rose may finally be introduced to the market.
Dall’Armi Hahn, who has collaborated with celebrities like chef Julia Child, described the process of finding the perfect rose for Stewart as a challenging endeavor. Various factors, such as color, had to be considered during the search. After thoroughly examining potential contenders, they ultimately found a compact hybrid tea in Stewart's preferred color palette at Star Roses and Plants, an American horticultural company.
Once introduced, roses begin a two-year quarantine period before testing begins. The evaluation process involves assessing the rose's growth and development in different weather conditions and determining its disease resistance. The Martha Stewart rose, initially known as CP 15 8603, was placed at Star Roses' testing fields in Pennsylvania and California.
As it demonstrated exceptional qualities, Star Roses decided to patent the Martha Stewart rose in 2021. On average, less than 1% of the roses tested by Star Roses make it into their portfolio annually. Stewart ultimately chose and approved the rose that would bear her name.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Stewart expressed her happiness in an Instagram post. With thanks to Dall’Armi Hahn, she anticipates many gardeners adding the Martha Stewart rose to their gardens. Although only a limited number of plants are currently available for pre-order, the variety is expected to be available at independent garden centers in 2026.
The Martha Stewart rose, which is already popular in Europe as "Jean de la Fontaine," is a repeat bloomer that performs exceptionally well in various climates. Its standout quality is an enticing, unique scent. As quoted by Dall’Armi Hahn, "It’s not a traditional rose fragrance... It’s fruitier, it’s light, it’s luscious. You feel like you could eat it."
As with most celebrity rose varieties, there is no financial benefit to having a rose named after you. Star Roses explains that the naming honors Stewart's contributions to design, lifestyle, and gardening, aiming to inspire future generations with her legacy.
Dall'Armi Hahn suggested incorporating Stewart's preferred design aesthetics into the new rose's style. During the search for the perfect rose, various styles were considered to ensure a harmonious fit with Stewart's garden design.
