Interesting Plant: Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks’ Rose)

Interesting Plant: Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks’ Rose)

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Interesting Plant: Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks’ Rose)

“Rosa banksiae, commonly referred to as the Lady Banks’ Rose, is a species of Rosa native to central and western China, in the provinces of Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Yunnan; it grows in mountains at altitudes of 500–2200 m.

It is a scrambling shrubby liana growing vigorously over other shrubs to 6 m tall. Unlike most roses, it is practically thornless, though may bear some prickles up to 5 mm long, particularly on stout, strong shoots. The leaves are evergreen, 4–6 cm long, with three to five (rarely seven) leaflets 2–5 cm long with a serrated margin. The flowers are small, 1.5-2.5 cm diameter, white or pale yellow.
There are two varieties:[2]

Rosa banksiae var. banksiae. Flowers semi-double or double, with numerous petals replacing most or all of the stamens; a cultigen developed in Chinese gardens.

Rosa banksiae var. normalis Regel. Flowers single, with five petals; the natural wild form of the species.
The rose is named after Lady Banks, the wife of the eminent botanist Sir Joseph Banks (after whom the Banks Peninsula is named).” — Wikipedia.org

I came across this amazing specimen of Rosa banksias growing at my son’s high school. I hadn’t noticed it previously, but it covers an entire wall from the ground floor and scrambles up on the patio above. It was in gorgeous bloom this weekend and I had to grab a couple of photos to share. i would love to have one of these in my garden, but I am not sure where I could it plant it. My garden is quite shay and this rose obviously benefits from a full sun exposure, as most roses do.

More information on Primula ‘Victoriana Silver Laced Black’:

Previously in the Interesting Plant series: