The Lady Banks Rose (Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’) is easily recognized by its yellow flower clusters in early spring.
Barbara H. Smith ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Introduction to Lady Banks Rose
The Lady Banks Rose (Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’) originated in China and was introduced to Europe in the early 1800’s. It is named after the wife of Sir Joseph Banks, Dorothea. Sir Joseph Banks served as president of the Royal Society, the first director of Kew Gardens, and was a founder of the Royal Horticultural Society. In his early years, he was a plant explorer who traveled around the world, including a voyage with Captain Cook to Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Tahiti. On those voyages, he and a team of botanists and illustrators collected and meticulously documented plant specimens. His collections can be found today in the Natural History Museum in London.
Lady Banks Rose Characteristics
Blooming Season and Flower Appearance
This rose puts on a spectacular show of double yellow flowers every spring. The cheerful yellow bloom clusters cover the large plant for several weeks in March and April, blooming at the same time as many azaleas and dogwoods. In addition to the yellow-flowered form, there is a double, white-flowered form (Rosa banksiae ‘Alba Plena’) and single-flowered forms in yellow and white.
Growth Habit and Landscape Use
The one-inch flowers of Lady Banks Rose are lightly scented, the double white more than the double yellow. The large plants are nearly thornless and have a rambling growth habit. They have long canes that grow up and arch over. The plants can reach 10 feet tall by 20 feet wide. Grow Lady Banks Rose over a sturdy arbor, trellis, or fence, down a slope, or as a large specimen in the garden.
The botanical garden at Riverbanks Zoo has a very large white flowering Lady Banks Rose (Rosa banksiae ‘Alba Plena’) growing over a large arbor.
Barbara H. Smith ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
How to Grow and Care for Lady Banks Rose
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
This rose is hardy in planting zones 7 to 10 and evergreen in zones 8 and above.
Sunlight Needs
Grow it in a location that receives sun to part shade.
Soil Preferences
The soil should be well-drained and enriched with organic matter. The preferred pH is acidic to neutral.
Watering Requirements
After planting, water regularly until the rose is established. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
Fertilizing After Bloom
Use a slow-release fertilizer labeled for roses after it blooms in spring.
Pruning Tips
Prune after it blooms to control the size. Remove dead branches at any time. It does not require annual pruning.
Pests and Disease Resistance
This rose is disease-resistant. It may occasionally have powdery mildew or black spot.
For more information on roses, see HGIC 1172, Growing Roses.
Visual Inspiration: Lady Banks Rose in the Landscape (Photo Gallery)
The Lady Banks Rose (Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’) has fully double yellow flowers. Barbara H. Smith ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
