Rosa banksiae

Lady banks is an evergreen vigorous climbing shrub in the Roseaceae (rose) family that is native to central and western China. The rose was named for Dorothea Lady Banks, wife of the botanist Sir Joseph Banks in 1807. Two variations of this plant were found in China having either single white or double yellow flowers. it is thought the original was the single white flowered one,  var. normalis, but then the double yellow flowered one, var. lutea, became more popular. There are now several cultivars available of this rose. This rose is not found in the wild and is most likely a “cultigen" of unknown parentage.

This rambling rose can grow up to 50 feet quickly and is mostly thornless but may have a few prickles on the strongest growing shoots. It requires some support such as a trellis to be trained on or a wall to cascade over. The plant can be grown in zones 6-9 but is only evergreen in warmer climates.

In early spring the plant produces many mildly fragrant white or pale yellow single or double flowers contrasting nicely with the compound leaves. Blooming occurs on old wood so only prune shortly after flowering occurs. Fruits are small red hips and inconspicuous. 

This plant is tolerant of most well-drained garden soils and will grow in full sun to part shade. It does well growing on a fence, a trellis,or cascading over rocks or walls. Use as an accent plant,  back of the border, naturalized area or even as a ground cover.

Quick ID Hints:

• Stems green, prickle-less ("thornless")
• Evergreen climbing shrub with pinnately compound leaves
• Many 1" double yellow (white) double flowers in spring

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for black spot and mildew esp. in humid areas.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.