Growing a Lady Banks Rose

Flowers, Julie's Blog, Lawn and Garden, Trees & Shrubs by Julie Day

Last summer, I planted a yellow Lady Banks Rose (Rosa banksiae) to grow up the column of my side porch. Lady Banks is a thornless climbing rose that explodes in clusters of miniature white or yellow blossoms in the spring, and it’s what we gardeners call a “vigorous climber.” That means that the thing is on the fast track to taking over my porch (and possibly my entire house), a slightly overwhelming prospect that is tempered only by the breathtaking display of flowers dripping from the soft, green branches. Simply put, it’s gorgeous.

The Lady Banks Rose is one of the more drought-tolerant and disease-resistant rose species, making it a favorite among gardeners for many generations. Here are a few quick facts for growing this luscious rose:


One year after planting.

  • Climate: Hardy to zone 7.
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil: Moist, well-draining, with lots of organic matter added to the planting hole. Otherwise it is not picky about soil types.
  • Water: Water regularly until established, then it shouldn’t need a lot of extra irrigation except in severe heat or drought.
  • Blooms: Single or double, white or yellow miniature blossoms in spring. Blooms only once per year.
  • Size and Pruning: Lady Banks blooms on old wood, so be careful not to over-prune the older branches. You’ll be busy enough trying to contain the size of this rose – it’s not meant for small spaces and easily grows to 30 feet or more, quickly swallowing sheds, trees, and unaware bystanders in its path. In fact, the largest rose in the world is a 100-year-old Lady Banks in Tombstone, Arizona. Check out the amazing Tombstone Rose covering more than 8,000 square feet!

I may regret planting Lady Banks so near the house, but it’s such a pleasure to walk under the blossoms when I enter and leave my kitchen door. The scent is very subtle, and the vine itself is a delicate, eager bundle of vitality growing visibly larger by the day.

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One Comment on “Growing a Lady Banks Rose”

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  1. Marge Urnaz Says:
    May 13th, 2009 at 18:55

    I recently visited Tombstone AZ and saw the worlds largest rose bush it was a Lady Banks. I bought a start in a 1 gallon container carried it home and found out it is hardy to zone 7 I am in zone 5. Can I grow it in a pot and bring it into the garage for the winter. Any ideas for growing it in this climate will be greatly appreciated.

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