Lady Banks' rose
rosa banksiae
Also known as: ["Lady Banks rose","Banks' rose"]
Overview
A vigorous, climbing rose species known for its profuse, small, fragrant flowers and thornless stems.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Botanical Name: | Rosa banksiae |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun in summer; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Avoid overwatering; test soil pH annually; amend soil before planting.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; prefers 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts.
Protect from harsh winds; avoid placing near heat sources; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; apply evenly around the root zone; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or hardwood); layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late summer for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%); indirect light; warm temperatures (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; hardwood cuttings take 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use bottom heat for faster rooting; keep cuttings out of direct sun; check for roots after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back to an outward-facing bud; remove crossing branches; thin out dense growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or diseased wood; shape the plant; encourage airflow and flowering.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for large branches).
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; dispose of diseased prunings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Use fresh potting mix; ensure drainage holes are clear; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to monthly or as soil dries out. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; topdress with organic matter annually.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or drop in extreme cold; wilting or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; buds may fail to open.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth in severe cold; ensure good air circulation to prevent frost damage.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaves may scorch or drop; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use shade cloth if necessary.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; follow label instructions; fertilize during active growth only.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced rose fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring; repeat every 4–6 weeks during growing season; stop in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRosa banksiae is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that would cause adverse effects in felines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicRosa banksiae is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that would cause adverse effects in canines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicRosa banksiae is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of any part of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Rosa banksiae?
A: Prune after flowering, removing dead or weak stems and shaping the plant as desired.
Q: Is Rosa banksiae thorny?
A: No, this species is notable for its thornless stems.
Q: Does Rosa banksiae have fragrant flowers?
A: Yes, it is prized for its highly fragrant, small white or yellow flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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