Photo of Rosa banksiae flower by Brushwood Nursery

Photo by Brushwood Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Rosa banksiae

Also Known As

  • Rosa 'Lady Banks'
  • Rosa banksiae 'Alba Plena'
  • Alba Plena Lady Banks Rose
  • White Lady Banks Rose

Plant type

shrub, vine

size

  • H: 15'-20'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

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Rosa banksiae plant details

Rosa banksiae is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or vine with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rosa banksiae

Plant type: shrub or vine
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 15 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, fragrant, screen, showy, thornless

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rosa banksiae

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: rabbit, heat, humidity and seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Rosa banksiae or Lady Banks' rose is an heirloom species rose native to and cultivated in China for centuries that grows as a large scrambling climbing vine up to 20 feet high. It was introduced to western horticulture in the early 1800s. Plants are nearly thornless to thornless with semi-evergreen to evergreen leaves in milder zones and small, lightly fragrant flowers in shades of yellow or white that bloom about a month before hybrid roses. 'Alba Plena' blooms in spring with small, ivory white, 3/4 inch wide, double flowers in loose clusters. Grow it on an arbour, trellis, pergola, or wall or into a medium sized tree. Its flowers are beautiful cut and displayed in a vase. Tolerant of part shade. A must-have in any rose collector's garden! It can be pruned to keep smaller. Should be mulched heavily in zone 6.
In spring this charming climbing vine is covered with small white double rosettes which resemble double cherry blossoms more than roses! These lovely blooms have a delicate fragrance reminiscent of violets. The vine is evergreen in mild winter climates. This bloomer does not repeat after spring, but the 15-20' vine is so lovely covering an arbor or trellis it is easy to understand its ongoing popularity. S/M
A slightly fragrant rambler, White Lady Banks, or Rosa banksiae 'Alba Plena,' is nearly thornless! Also boasting a high resistance to disease, this white-flowered form of a southern classic will grow quickly once established. Be sure to give it plenty of space! Darling white blooms arrive in early to late spring.

Gardening facts about Rosa banksiae plant

How to Grow Rosa banksiae

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Rosa for your garden

Scientific Name: Rosa glauca var. rubrifolia

aka Rosa rubrifolia, Red Leaf Rose

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

2a-10b

Size

Height: 5'-8'

Width: 6'-9'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Rosa glauca flower by Cistus Nursery
View Plant

aka Rosa pomifera, Apple Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Rosa villosa flower by Phyzome
View Plant

aka Baja Rose, Baja Wild Rose, Small-leafed Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Rosa minutifolia close-up, flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Cluster Rose, Swamp Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 5'-10'

Width: 3'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Rosa pisocarpa flower by J.G. in SF
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aka Western Wild Rose, Woods' Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-7'

Width: 3'-7'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Rosa woodsii close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

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