Rosa banksiae
Lady Banks RoseFamily: Rosaceae
Origin: China
The Lady Banks Rose is an incredibly hardy plant, easily recognizable for its vigorous growth, evergreen foliage, and mostly thornless stems. It is divided into two main colors, either white or yellow, and two types, single or double. The clean, glossy leaves are pleasing year-round and the breathtaking blooms in the Spring will definitely be a memorable sight. To best enjoy this beauty it is recommended to encourage its growth on a support structure such as a pergola or arbor, although this species can be grown as a tree too. When it comes to hardiness, Rosa banksiae Lutea is said to be the most able to withstand colder climates, however it will require plenty of sun and warmth to properly grow.
Rosa banksiae is found to be evergreen, with long, lance-shaped leaves. This rose flowers on 2nd and 3rd year wood, meaning that dead canes and older growth need to be pruned on a consistent basis. It can handle poor quality soil and is rarely affected by any diseases or insects. In fact, the world's largest rose tree is a Rosa banksiae. Located in Tombstone, Arizona it is a record-holding 113 years old and is almost 70 feet long.
For those living in USDA Zones 5-11, Rosa banksiae is an easy plant to grow. It needs full sun and moderate water; however, the bloom time is short compared to the evergreen foliage, so it is usually grown against walls or used as a climber. Once you decide on which variety, white or yellow, single or double, that you possess, remember to take care of them by regularly pruning and giving a good balanced fertilizer. Propagating by taking softwood cuttings in Springtime is also an option to increase your rose bush.
If you don't live in an ideal climates for this rose, growing them in a pot might be for you, but beware that you will need very large pots to accommodate for the root system of this plant and its vigorous growth. When Rosa banksiae is grown in containers, give them protection in the winter by covering the pot with plastic, or with straw and burlap to keep the roots away from extreme cold. It should be repotted every 3-4 years and fed with a balanced fertilizer in the Spring and Summer months.
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