Lady Banks White

1807

12 to 20 feet

This white form of Rosa banksiae was named in honor of the wife of gifted amateur rosarian, Sir Joseph Banks. The botanist who named it, Robert Brown, commented on its lovely fragrance, saying, Indeed I doubt whether many persons if blindfolded could by the odour distinguish them from violets. Banksia roses are thornless and appear to have no serious insect or disease problems. They are long-lived. Any Southerner who plants one may be assured that it will outlive his grandchildren. During the massive flowering, 1 inch blooms cover the plant like a thick blanket, lasting up to six weeks. Cold is its worst enemy, with hardiness questionable below 15 degrees F. For some reason, deer do not like to eat these roses, so they are perfect to naturalize.