Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) Rosa banksiae
Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) (Rosa banksiae) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Central and western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei). It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; this rose is almost thornless.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose)
- How far apart should I plant Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; this rose is almost thornless.
- What grows well with Lady Banks’ rose (Banksian rose)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A huge, almost thornless evergreen climbing rose smothered in spring with small double yellow (‘Lutea’) or white violet-scented flowers. William Kerr sent the white form to Kew in 1807 and it was named after Lady Dorothea Banks. A plant in Tombstone, Arizona, planted in 1885, is often called the world’s largest rose bush. Needs a warm wall in cold areas.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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