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Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ (Lady Banks’ Rose)

Lady Banks' Rose, Yellow Banksian Rose, Yellow banksia Rose, Double Yellow banksia Rose, Rambler Roses, Climbing Roses

AGM Award
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea',Lady Banks' Rose, Yellow Banksian Rose, Yellow banksia Rose, Double Yellow banksia Rose, Rambler Roses, Climbing Roses, Yellow roses, Shrub roses, Rose bushes, Garden Roses
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea',Lady Banks' Rose, Yellow Banksian Rose, Yellow banksia Rose, Double Yellow banksia Rose, Rambler Roses, Climbing Roses, Yellow roses, Shrub roses, Rose bushes, Garden Roses

Roses are among the most beloved ornamental plants, and Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’, commonly known as Lady Bank’s Rose, stands out as a stunning, vigorous climbing rose with delicate beauty and historical significance.

Unlike many traditional roses, this nearly thornless variety is prized for its cascading clusters of soft yellow, fragrant blooms that appear in spring. Native to China, Rosa banksiae has been cultivated for centuries and was introduced to Europe in the early 19th century. This heirloom rose thrives in warm climates, adding a romantic charm to garden trellises, fences, and walls.

If you’re looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance climbing rose with an old-world appeal, Lady Bank’s Rose is an excellent choice.


Description

Lady Banks’ Rose is a large, early-flowering, semi-evergreen rambling rose that produces a profusion of small, multi-petalled, pale yellow double flowers, each about ¾ inch wide (2 cm), in spring. The fragrant blooms appear in abundant clusters, creating a spectacular display.

One of its standout features is its lack of thorns, making it a gardener-friendly choice. This vigorous rose requires ample space to spread and is often trained along walls, arbors, and pergolas to showcase its cascading floral elegance.

‘Lutea’ is the most popular and floriferous of the Banksia roses and is regarded as one of the best roses for dry gardens. In mild climates, this heirloom rose remains evergreen, adding year-round interest.


Native Habitat

Rosa banksiae is native to central and western China, growing in mountainous regions at elevations of 1,640–7,218 ft (500–2,200 m). It has been cultivated in China for centuries and was introduced to Europe in the early 19th century by plant explorer William Kerr, who acquired it from Chinese nurseries.

The species was named in honor of Dorothea Lady Banks, wife of renowned botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who played a crucial role in botanical exploration and plant introductions.


Plant Type and Habit

Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ is a perennial, evergreen climbing rose with an arching and cascading growth habit. It requires sturdy support like trellises, pergolas, or fences to showcase its full potential.


Plant Size

  • Height: 15–40 feet (4.5–12 m)
  • Spread: 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m)

Due to its rapid growth, this rose requires regular pruning and ample space.


Flowers

  • Color: Soft, buttery yellow
  • Size: Small, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter
  • Shape: Fully double, rosette-shaped
  • Fragrance: Mildly scented with a violet-like fragrance
  • Blooming Season: Blooms in one flush in spring or early summer, depending on your geographic area.
  • Bloom Frequency: Once-blooming per season

Foliage

The deep green, glossy foliage remains evergreen in warmer climates but may become semi-deciduous in colder regions. Each pinnately compound leaf consists of three to five leaflets, each with a finely serrated margin.

The leaves of this plant are believed to aid in wound healing and support tissue regeneration. Additionally, it is rich in tannins, which have been traditionally used as astringents in medicinal applications.


Hardiness

  • USDA Zones: 6–10
  • Temperature Tolerance: Prefers warm climates but can survive light frost

In colder zones (6 and below), winter protection or container planting is recommended.


Uses

  • Climbing and Vertical Accents: Perfect for adorning trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, adding height and elegance to the landscape.
  • Privacy Screens and Barriers: Forms a lush, cascading green screen covered in flowers, ideal for creating natural enclosures.
  • Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its abundant, fragrant blooms.
  • Historical and Cottage Gardens: A classic heirloom rose that enhances traditional garden designs with timeless beauty.
  • Wall-Side Borders and Urban Gardens: Thrives in city gardens and against walls, adding charm to confined spaces.
  • Structural Coverage: A spectacular choice for quickly covering arbors, arches, and pergolas with its vigorous, evergreen growth.

Award

Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (AGM) for its exceptional performance in gardens.


Wildlife

This rose attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.


Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Deer and rabbits can cause damage.


Toxicity

This heirloom rose is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family-friendly gardens. Its petals are even edible and widely used in culinary and cosmetic applications.


Drought Tolerance

Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for dry gardens and low-water landscapes. Its deep roots help it survive prolonged dry spells, while its vigorous growth ensures resilience.

Drought-Tolerant Roses: The Best Low-Water Rose Bushes for Your Garden


Invasiveness

This rose is not considered invasive but can spread vigorously in warm climates. Proper pruning helps control its size.


Should You Grow Lady Bank’s Rose?

If you have plenty of space, a warm climate, and a love for historic roses, Lady Bank’s Rose is a perfect addition to your garden. Its thornless stems, cascading flowers, and minimal maintenance make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a stunning climbing rose.

Find the perfect companion plants for your roses.

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea',Lady Banks' Rose, Yellow Banksian Rose, Yellow banksia Rose, Double Yellow banksia Rose, Rambler Roses, Climbing Roses, Yellow roses, Shrub roses, Rose bushes, Garden Roses


How to Grow and Care for Lady Bank’s Rose

Light Requirement

Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours daily). Can tolerate partial shade but may bloom less profusely. Protect from frost and cold drying winds.


Soil

Prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool, and discourages weeds.


Water

Requires regular watering during the first year. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering in dry periods.


Fertilizer

Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and after flowering.


Pruning

Prune after flowering to remove deadwood and maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as it blooms on old wood.


Propagation

  • Softwood Cuttings: Best taken in spring
  • Layering: Can be propagated by layering in early summer

Disease and Pest Resistance

Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:

Pest Resistance

This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.

Disease Resistance

Roses are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to plant Lady Banks’ Rose?

Lady Banks’ Rose (Rosa banksiae) thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is best planted in warm, sheltered locations, such as against south- or west-facing walls, fences, trellises, or arbors. It does well in coastal gardens, Mediterranean climates, and dry landscapes. In colder climates, plant it in a protected spot to shield it from severe frost.


How big do Rosa banksiae get?

Lady Banks’ Rose is a vigorous, fast-growing climber that can reach 20–40 feet (6–12 meters) tall and spread 6-10 feet (1.8–3 meters) wide. It requires ample space to flourish and is often trained along walls, pergolas, or fences.


What is Rosa banksiae used for?

Lady Banks’ Rose is primarily used for ornamental purposes, including:

  • Climbing and Vertical Accents – Perfect for trellises, arbors, walls, and fences
  • Privacy Screens and Barriers – Forms a dense, cascading green screen
  • Pollinator Gardens – Attracts bees and butterflies
  • Historical and Cottage Gardens – A heritage rose with classic beauty
  • Drought-Resistant Landscaping – Thrives in dry gardens with minimal water

It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where its leaves and roots are believed to aid wound healing and tissue regeneration.


Is Banksia Rose repeat flowering?

No, Lady Banks’ Rose is a once-blooming rose, typically flowering in mid to late spring. It produces a spectacular display of abundant blooms over several weeks but does not rebloom in summer or fall.


What is the growth rate of Rosa banksiae?

Lady Banks’ Rose has a fast growth rate, often growing several feet per year in optimal conditions. It is one of the most vigorous and rapid-growing climbing roses.


Is Banksia Rose a climber or a rambler?

Lady Banks’ Rose is considered a rambling rose rather than a true climbing rose. Unlike climbers, it produces long, flexible canes that naturally sprawl and require support, making it ideal for training along trellises, fences, and arbors.


How long does Banksia Rose last?

Lady Banks’ Rose is a long-lived plant, often thriving for decades when properly maintained. In favorable conditions, it can live 50 years or more. One of the world’s largest known specimens, in Tombstone, Arizona, was planted in 1885 and continues to grow today.


Is Banksia Rose frost hardy?

Lady Banks’ Rose is moderately frost-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 7–10. In zone 6, it may survive if planted in a sheltered location and given winter protection. Severe frosts can damage young shoots, so in colder climates, mulching and wrapping with burlap may help protect it during winter.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Climbers, Roses
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Rambling Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height 15' - 40' (4.6m - 12.2m)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Climbers, Roses
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Rambling Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height 15' - 40' (4.6m - 12.2m)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Rambling Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

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