Roots and Routes

Rosa ‘Martha Stewart’

• Introduced by Meilland International in 2020
• Introduced in the United States by Star Roses in 2026
• Created by Alain Meilland
• Class: Hybrid Tea
• Shades of ballet pink and apricot
• Citrus fragrance with notes of bergamot, honeysuckle, and lemon verbena
• Parentage: Candy Love X (seedling x Peter Mayle)

The Martha Stewart rose produces exceptionally full, romantic blooms in soft shades of ballet pink and warm apricot. Each flower can contain 100 to 150 petals, giving the blossoms an almost peony-like fullness, while their fragrance combines notes of bergamot, honeysuckle, and lemon verbena. The lush flowers are set against glossy dark-green foliage, creating the elegant, carefully composed appearance for which its namesake is famous.

Bred in France by the celebrated Meilland rose-breeding family, the cultivar was first introduced in Europe as Jean de la Fontaine, where it was christened in honor of the French fabulist on the 400th anniversary of his birth. The same rose was later selected to bear Martha Stewart’s name in North America and was introduced by Star Roses in 2026.

Few people are more closely associated with gardening, flowers, and gracious living than Martha Stewart. An avid gardener for decades, Stewart wanted her namesake rose to reflect her lifelong devotion to the garden and specifically sought a variety with the qualities she most valued: apricot-pink coloring, exceptionally full blossoms, and outstanding fragrance. She was personally involved in selecting the rose and later planted dozens at her farm in Bedford, New York. With its abundance of petals, refined coloring, and powerful perfume, the Martha Stewart rose is a fitting tribute to a woman who has helped make gardening and horticulture part of everyday American life.