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Lady Banks' Rose

Rosa banksiae

Also listed as Rosa banksiana, Rosa inermis

Also known as Banksian Rose, Yellow Lady Banks' Rose, Lady Banks's Rose

vine☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 6a – Zone 11b

Climate Match for your location

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Lady Banks' Rose is a vigorous, thornless climbing rose with small fragrant flowers that cascade abundantly in spring. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for covering walls, fences, and arbors in warm climates.

Why grow it

Lady Banks' Rose offers reliable spring bloom and drought tolerance that surpasses many other climbing roses, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions. Its thornless canes reduce maintenance hazards compared to conventional climbing roses, making it practical for high-traffic areas. The small clustered flowers and vigorous growth habit suit large-scale screening or slope stabilization in warm climates where similar roses might struggle with water availability.

Watch out for

This rose requires consistent establishment watering during its first growing season before drought tolerance develops. Spring bloom is concentrated rather than repeat-flowering, so gardeners expecting summer or fall flowers will need companion plantings. In cool climates, flower production may be sparse or inconsistent, making site selection important for reliable performance.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
15–30′ tall × 15–30′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Rosaceae
HedgerowPollinators & beneficial insects

Native Range

China

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Spring

Notable Cultivars

Lutea, the most common cultivar, produces small double yellow flowers with a violet fragrance. Alba produces white double blooms and is slightly less vigorous but equally ornamental.

Similar climbers you might consider:

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Companion Planting

Plants well with