Rosa banksiae

Lady Banks' Rose
Rosaceae
Deciduous, Evergreen, Ground covers, Shrubs

ROSA

The rose is the queen of flowers, the most loved and widely planted shrub in all temperate parts of the world. More than 14,000 varieties are grown. Although mostly deciduous, roses can be evergreen in mild climates. Their stems, sometimes quite prickly, may be erect, arching, trailing, or scrambling. Leaves are divided into three, five, or seven leaflets, usually with toothed margins.

For an overview about roses and their care, click here.

Rosa banksiae

From China, this vigorous grower reaches 20 ft. or more. It is aphid resistant, practically immune to disease, and its stems have few if any prickles. Large clusters of small flowers appear in early to late spring, depending on zone. Good for covering banks, ground, fence, or arbor.

The two forms sold are ‘Lutea’, with scentless, double yellow flowers; and R. b. banksiae (‘Alba Plena’ or ‘White Banksia’), with violet-scented, double white flowers. ‘Fortuniana’ (R. fortuniana) sometimes is sold by the name “double white banksia”; it differs from true R. b. banksiae in having thorny canes, larger leaves, and larger flowers that are held on single stems rather than in clusters.