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 4.0Rosa 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 4.0Rose

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

Browse all Rosa