Lady Banks' Rose (Rosa banksiae)

Lady Banks' Rose

Rosa banksiae

Its cascading blooms carry soft, honeyed fragrance. Deciduous climbing rose; common name: Lady Banks' Rose.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms with 6+ hours of direct daily sunlight
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; tolerates summer temperatures up to 35°C with consistent moisture
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, glossy green oval leaves with serrated margins, arranged in pinnate clusters
  • Flower: Dense clusters of tiny double or semi-double yellow/white blooms, lacking noticeable scent in some cultivars
  • Stem: Slender, thornless woody stems with aerial roots for climbing support
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply once weekly during active growth; increase frequency during extreme heatwaves

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over blooms

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest infestations
Pruning
  • Prune immediately after flowering to remove spent blooms and thin overcrowded stems
  • Train climbing stems to arbors or walls in early spring to maintain desired shape
  • Remove dead or diseased wood annually to promote healthy new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans; petals are edible in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes gratitude and gentle warmth in traditional floral language

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine for arbors, walls, and fences; small blooms suitable for cut flower arrangements