What Trees Did Jackie Kennedy Plant in the Rose Garden

As one of the most fashionable and influential First Ladies in American history, Jackie Kennedy not only left a mark on fashion and culture but also on the White House's interiors and grounds. One of her most significant contributions to the White House grounds was the creation of the Rose Garden, which she renovated during John F. Kennedy's presidency in 1961.

The Design of the Rose Garden

Jackie Kennedy's idea for the Rose Garden was to create a space where the President and First Lady could entertain guests and have official ceremonies. The new design included a rectangular-shaped lawn enclosed by low Diamond Taxus hedges that were lined with roses and a water fountain with a circular area for guests to stand. Many of the rose bushes used in the design were over 30 years old and were transplanted from a garden in Rhode Island.

The Trees in the Rose Garden

Alongside the roses, Jackie Kennedy planted several trees in the Rose Garden to provide shade and enhance the garden's beauty. The trees she selected were all native to North America and were chosen for their aesthetic and botanic qualities.

Magnolia Tree

One of the most notable trees in the Rose Garden is the Southern Magnolia, which Jackie Kennedy brought to the White House. The tree was a gift from her brother-in-law, Robert Kennedy, and was believed to have been planted in the 1820s by Andrew Jackson in honor of his wife. The tree's evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers give the Rose Garden a distinct Southern feel.

Crabapple Trees

To add color and texture to the garden, Jackie Kennedy planted several different types of crabapple trees, including Twilight, Pink Spires, and Molten Lava. These trees offer an array of colors, from dark maroon to bright pink, and produce small, decorative apples that attract wildlife.

Redbud Trees

Another type of tree planted in the Rose Garden was the Eastern Redbud. These small trees are known for their purple-pink flowers that bloom in early spring and their heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

Miscellaneous Trees

Jackie Kennedy also included a few different types of trees in the Rose Garden, including two American Hophornbeam trees, a Kousa Dogwood tree, and an American Elm tree. The American Hophornbeam trees have attractive bark that peels off in vertical strips, while the Kousa Dogwood produces beautiful white and pink flowers. The American Elm is a large shade tree native to North America with a vase-like shape and leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

Conclusion

Jackie Kennedy's efforts to create a magnificent Rose Garden have left a lasting impression on the White House grounds. The trees she carefully selected have not only added beauty to the garden but also contributed to its biodiversity. The Rose Garden remains a popular spot for ceremonies and events, and visitors can admire the trees that Jackie Kennedy planted nearly 60 years ago.