The Unique Rose Variety Named After Marilyn Monroe That's Just As Beautiful & Captivating

In the world of horticulture, the names of different cultivars and varieties can be quite interesting. There are so many stunning flowers named after celebrities, with certain cultivars being picked by famous people to bear their name and others named to pay homage to icons of the past. Of course, it makes sense for a rose cultivar to be named after one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. Produced by the experienced rose breeder Tom Carruth, the Marilyn Monroe rose (Rosa 'WEKsunspat') came into existence in 2001 and has been bringing class and glamour to gardens ever since. 

With its luxurious creamy-apricot double blooms, the Marilyn Monroe rose is aptly named, reflecting the captivating beauty of the film star. It is a hybrid tea rose and can reach 4 to 6 feet in height, with its blooms sitting atop its rich, dark green foliage. The flowers themselves are fairly large, around 4 or 5 inches in diameter. Just like Monroe, this rose is not here to blend into the background. You can grow the Marilyn Monroe in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10 and enjoy its blooms throughout the summer months. As this rose lasts for a long time in floral arrangements, it is perfect for a cut flower garden. 

To bring the beauty of Marilyn Monroe into your garden, you will need to plant the rose in a spot with full sun. It prefers fertile, well-draining but moist soil that isn't left to dry out or get waterlogged. The Marilyn Monroe is a pretty tough rose and can thrive in both warmer and cooler environments. It tends to be fairly resistant to diseases but is known to suffer from black spot, which can affect its growth and health. Thankfully, there are things you can do in the fall to protect rose bushes from black spot in winter, so make sure you take steps to avoid this annoying disease. 

In terms of ongoing care, it is helpful to mulch with organic matter in late winter or early spring. Pruning in late fall and early spring is also beneficial to keep it healthy and looking good. To maximize the blooms, apply a general rose fertilizer of 5-5-7 straight after its spring prune, during its first blooms, and again in mid to late July. As it continues to bloom throughout the season, deadhead faded flowers.