Overview
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' is a bushy climbing shrub in the genus Rosa, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rosa banksiae 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include trellises, walls, fences and large garden features. It is native to China.
About
Rosa banksiae, common names Lady Banks' rose, or just Banks' rose, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, native to central and western China, in the provinces of Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Sichuan and Yunnan, at altitudes of 500–2,200 m (1,600–7,200 ft). The rose is named for Dorothea Lady Banks, the wife of botanist Sir Joseph Banks.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rosa banksiae
About the genus
A rose is either a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae, or the flower it bears. There are over three hundred species and tens of thousands of cultivars. The plants range in size and form, from trailing and erect shrubs to climbers up to 7 metres (23 ft) in height.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rose", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rose
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climbing shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Trellises, walls, fences, large garden features
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Mild, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rosa banksiae 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of poor soils; avoid waterlogging; benefits from support for climbing
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old wood
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, layering
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Rose leafhopper, Glasshouse red spider mite, Scale insects, Caterpillars, Large rose sawfly, Rose leaf-rolling sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Rose black spot, Rose rust, Replant disease, Rose dieback, Rose powdery mildew, Honey fungus, Rose blindness, Flower balling
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rosa banksiae 'Alba'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of poor soils; avoid waterlogging; benefits from support for climbing.
Where is the best place to plant Rosa banksiae 'Alba'?
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Rosa banksiae 'Alba' need?
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Rosa banksiae 'Alba'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old wood.
Is Rosa banksiae 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Rosa banksiae 'Alba'?
Softwood cuttings, layering.
More in the Rosa genus
- Rosa 'Alpine Sunset' (HT)

- Rosa 'Barbara Richards' (HT)

- Rosa 'Chaplin's Pink Companion' (Cl)

- Rosa 'Dutch Gold' (HT)

- Rosa 'Gavotte' (HT)

- Rosa 'Geranium Red' (F)

- Rosa 'Hovyn de Tronchère' (HT)

- Rosa 'Mabel Morrison' (HP)
