Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

260 other cultivars

shrub

Martin Luther Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Martin Luther Rose'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa is a genus of deciduous woody shrubs known for their thorny stems, alternate pinnate leaves, and fragrant flowers with prominent stamens. These plants are widely cultivated across temperate regions for their ornamental value and structural contribution to garden beds.

'Martin Luther Rose' is an ADR-certified floribunda cultivar distinguished by its compact, upright habit and densely double, cup-shaped flowers that open soft apricot and mature to creamy white. The glossy, dark green foliage exhibits exceptional natural resistance to fungal pathogens, and the self-cleaning petals drop cleanly after blooming.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces continuous clusters of double, color-changing flowers from summer through fall against glossy, dark green foliage.

Offers exceptional disease resistance, reducing the need for chemical fungicide applications in the garden.

Provides pollen for generalist pollinators, including native bees and butterflies.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

47"

Width

31"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Germany (Garden origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and has well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, mixing organic compost into the backfill to improve nutrient density.
Position the plant so the bud union is at the correct depth for your climate, then backfill and firm the soil gently.
Water deeply at the base to settle the soil, and apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the stems.

Pro Tip

Plant the bud union two to four inches below the soil surface in cold climates to protect against winter freeze, but keep it level with the surface in warm, wet regions to prevent stem rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune stems back by one-third to one-half in early spring to stimulate vigorous new growth.
Water deeply at the soil level during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture.
Apply a balanced organic rose fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to support continuous blooming.

Don't

Do not prune into old, leafless, dead wood that lacks active live buds.
Do not overhead water the foliage, as wet leaves increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Do not apply chemical fungicides, as this ADR-certified variety rarely requires them and spraying harms beneficial insects.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersCottage GardensLow HedgesContainer PlantingCutting Gardens

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Martin Luther Rose questions

What zones can Martin Luther Rose grow in?

Martin Luther Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Martin Luther Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Martin Luther Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Martin Luther Rose bloom?

Martin Luther Rose typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Martin Luther Rose need full sun?

Martin Luther Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Martin Luther Rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Martin Luther Rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.