Banksia Rose Rosa banksiae var. normalis (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa banksiae, commonly known as Lady Banks' rose, is a flowering plant that exhibits a lush appearance with long, graceful branches. These branches are often covered with small, glossy, and slightly serrated leaves that provide a dense, green backdrop throughout the year. The foliage's deep green color contrasts beautifully with the clusters of delicate flowers that bloom prolifically in the spring. The flowers of Lady Banks' rose are small and rosette-like, with a charming, old-fashioned look. They are typically arranged in clusters, creating a frothy effect on the branches. Depending on the variety, the blossoms can be a soft creamy white or a pale yellow. Each individual flower has a symmetrical shape, with several layers of petals that are soft to the touch, surrounding a center of golden stamens. This center adds a subtle contrast to the pastel petals and can attract bees and other pollinators. The blooms of this rose are known for their faint, yet sweet, fragrance that can make a walk in the garden a delightfully aromatic experience. Additionally, the plant has a vigorous growth habit, with its branches capable of providing a natural, elegant draping quality over fences, arbors, and other supportive structures in a garden setting. Despite its robust growth, Lady Banks' rose is loved for its delicate overall appearance and the romantic ambiance it brings to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Banks' Rose, Lady Banks' Rose, Tombstone Rose
Common names
Rosa banksiae var. normalis (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) T.T.Yu & T.C.Ku, Rosa banksiae var. banksiae.
ToxicityTo humans
Lady Banks' rose is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning because it is not known to cause harm if ingested in typical quantities found in a garden setting. Therefore, ingestion of this plant should not result in any toxic consequences.
To pets
Lady Banks' rose is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not contain substances known to be poisonous to animals, so ingestion should not lead to poisoning symptoms. Therefore, pets that ingest this plant are unlikely to experience adverse health consequences due to toxicity. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild stomach upset due to the digestion of plant material that is not part of their normal diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lady Banks' Rose, as it is commonly known, is appreciated for its masses of small, delicate, and often fragrant flowers that adorn gardens and landscapes in spring.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care once established, making it a popular choice for gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Lady Banks' Rose can tolerate periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Rapid Growth: The plant is a vigorous climber and can cover structures quickly, providing fast results for landscape projects.
- Long Lifespan: It is a long-lived plant, providing beauty and coverage for many years.
- Pest Resistance: Lady Banks' Rose is generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Tolerance to Poor Soils: It can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including less fertile soils.
- Screening: Due to its dense growth habit, it is often used to create living screens or hedges for privacy.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Lady Banks' Rose helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Variety in Landscaping: Available in different colors, it offers variety for design purposes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lady Banks' rose can be trained to grow over unsightly fences or walls, camouflaging them with its lush foliage and blooms.
- The canes of mature plants are strong and flexible, making them useful for creating living structures or rose tunnels in gardens.
- Dried petals of Lady Banks' rose can be used to make natural confetti for weddings or celebrations, offering a biodegradable option.
- The thorns can be utilized in crafting by providing a natural means of pinning or securing materials in place.
- When in bloom, the flowers can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, giving a soft yellow tint.
- The dense growth habit provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds and beneficial insects within a garden setting.
- Its extensive root system can help with soil stabilization on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- The wood of the rose can be used in small woodworking projects or as material for smoking meats, imparting a floral note.
- In eco-friendly fashion, the petals can be used to decorate clothes or hats, either fresh or dried.
- The fallen leaves and petals can serve as a mulch that, when decomposed, adds organic matter and nutrients back into the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLady Banks' rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLady Banks' rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa banksiae var. normalis (commonly known as Lady Banks' rose) is often associated with love and romantic feelings, continuing the tradition of roses being symbols of affection and adoration.
- Beauty: The Lady Banks' rose, with its elegant blooms and graceful growth habit, represents beauty in its natural form and is often used to convey admiration for someone's physical or inner beauty.
- Charm: Due to its delicate and plentiful flowers, Lady Banks' rose embodies charm and attractiveness, making it a symbol for someone's alluring and captivating qualities.
- Rarity: This variety of rose is less common in gardens compared to others, and thus can symbolize uniqueness or rarity, celebrating the singular beauty or qualities of a person or situation.
- Eternal Love: Roses have long been associated with everlasting love, and Lady Banks' rose, with its hardiness and ability to grow robustly once established, embeds the notion of a love that endures through time and challenge.
WaterLady Banks' rose should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Ideally, it should be watered with about 1 to 2 gallons every week during its active growth season, particularly if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. During the winter or dormant season, reduce watering to every two weeks or less, depending on the weather conditions to avoid overwatering. Make sure the soil drains well to prevent root rot and water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to disease.
LightLady Banks' rose thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. The best spot would be an area in the garden that provides morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureLady Banks' rose does well in a range of temperature conditions, with ideal temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F but proper mulching is recommended to protect the root system. The plant should be shielded from extreme cold or frost, as it can damage new growth and reduce flowering.
PruningLady Banks' rose should be pruned after flowering since it blooms on the previous year's growth. Prune to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant. Pruning is typically done once a year, but it can also be lightly pruned throughout the year to maintain its desired shape and size. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before the plant begins its new growth cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLady Banks' Rose requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A good soil mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or perlite to aid in drainage.
RepottingLady Banks' Rose does not need frequent repotting; once every two to three years is sufficient, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingLady Banks' Rose thrives in average outdoor humidity levels; it does not require special humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lady Banks' Rose in a sunlit spot with room to climb.
Outdoor
Plant Lady Banks' Rose in full sun with support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa banksiae, commonly known as Lady Banks' rose, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. This seedling then grows into a young plant with vigorous canes and foliage, developing a root system that anchors it into the soil. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage characterized by the growth of leaves and thorns, with canes that can reach several meters if supported. Upon reaching maturity, typically in spring, Lady Banks' rose produces abundant clusters of small, fragrant, pale yellow or white flowers, which attract pollinators and may set seed under suitable conditions. After flowering, the plant may produce small, inedible hips (fruit) containing seeds that can be dispersed to grow new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life cycle, which can span several decades, Rosa banksiae will also experience periods of dormancy in colder climates, shedding leaves and ceasing active growth during winter months before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Rosa banksiae, commonly known as Lady Banks' rose, can be propagated in various ways, but the most popular method is by softwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still green and flexible. The process involves carefully cutting a piece of the stem about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long, ensuring that there are at least two or three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the soil surface. The pot is kept in a warm place with indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil until roots develop, which can take a few weeks to a couple of months. After the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
