Lady Banks Rose Rosa banksiae

Lady Banks rose is a big, sprawling, rambling shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) and named in 1807 after Dorothea Lady Banks, the wife of Sir Joseph Banks, the great English explorer, botanist, and long-time president of the Royal Society. It is a rapid grower that can reach upwards of 40 feet high. 

It grows in full sun or partial shade and requires moist, but well-draining, acidic to neutral, loamy soil and good air circulation. Provide sturdy support for the branches to stimulate a sprawling vine. Prune away dead wood. No other pruning is necessary unless you wish to reduce the plant’s size. Prune soon after it blooms. It is evergreen when grown in hardiness zones 8 to10. 

This species of rose has no prickles (“thorns”). It blooms in midspring to early summer with slightly fragrant, white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. A yellow cultivar of this species, ‘Lutea,’ is also in cultivation. It differs only in its yellow flowers.

Site Lady Banks in vertical spaces in coastal gardens or poolside hardscapes. It is also useful as a barrier or privacy screen. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Stems are green, prickle-less ("thornless").

• Evergreen rambling rose with pinnately compound leaves

• Many 1-inch, white, double flowers in spring

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Common leaf diseases like black spot and mildew are less problematic for the Lady Banks rose. For full information on common pests and diseases, please see the Rosa page. 

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