Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ (Lady Banks’ Rose)

A splendid and vigorous climber, award-winning Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ (Lady Banks’ Rose) is a large, early flowering, semi-evergreen rambler with a profusion of small, multi-petalled, pale yellow, double flowers, 3/4 in. wide (2 cm), in spring. Held in clusters, the lightly scented blooms are perfectly displayed on the thornless, slender branches clad with the rich green foliage of small, smooth-edged leaves. ‘Lutea’ is the most popular and floriferous of the banksia roses and is regarded as one of the best roses for dry gardens. It is evergreen in mild climates.

• Blooms in one flush in spring or early summer, depending on your geographic area.
• Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm). This rambler is excellent for wall-side borders, city gardens, and cottage gardens. This is a magnificent climber for arbors, arches, pergolas, or other garden structures, as they will get quickly covered with its evergreen foliage.
• Highly popular, this lovely Rose won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Best grown in full sun, in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates some light shade, but best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool, and discourages weeds. Apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch in late winter or early spring for best flowering. Protect from frost and cold drying winds.
• Any pruning carried out on this early-flowering, semi-evergreen rambler should be done immediately after flowering is finished in the spring.
• Propagate by hardwood cuttings in the fall or by chip budding in the summer.