The Dolly Parton Rose (Photo – laarboretum)
The Huntington in San Marino and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia offer a local way to mark California’s Dolly Parton Day: the rose named for the legendary singer, Rosa ‘Dolly Parton.’ The hybrid tea rose is known for its saturated red-orange blooms and powerful fragrance.
By Rena Kurlander
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation recognizing Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day in California. While statewide celebrations focus on Parton’s music and community impact, residents of the San Gabriel Valley can encounter her namesake flower at two local gardens.
The rose produces large, showy flowers in shades of orange-red, copper and deep red. Its sweet-and-spicy fragrance gives it a presence as distinctive as its namesake.
Developed in 1984 by amateur rose breeder Joseph E. Winchell, the variety resulted from a cross between ‘Fragrant Cloud’ and ‘Oklahoma.’ Its vivid color, abundant blooms and rich perfume make it a fitting tribute to Parton’s larger-than-life artistry and enduring warmth.
For San Gabriel Valley residents, the rose offers a quieter way to mark the statewide observance. At the Huntington and the Arboretum, visitors can connect Parton’s legacy with a flower whose brilliant color and unmistakable fragrance leave a lasting impression.
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