Banksia Rose Growing Guide

What is Banksia Rose?

Banksia Rose (Rosa banksiae) also known as The Lady Banks Rose or Banks’ Rose is an evergreen climbing rose. It is part of the Rosaceae family and originated in China. The rose was named after the wife of a famous botanist Sir Joseph Banks. This thornless climbing rose flowers in Spring with miniature double white or yellow flowers appearing in clusters. The foliage is small and fern like. Banksia rose tolerates a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained moist soil which is rich with organic matter. It requires a sunny position if it is to flower well. Pruning is carried out immediately after flowering has finished at the end of Spring or early Summer.

Benefits of Growing Banksia Rose

Banksia Roses are excellent for covering a fence or bare wall, and will quickly cover the area. They have almost thornless stems making them very easy to handle and prune and ideal for a backyard that has children and pets running around. Banksia Roses are largely disease resistant and is low maintenance. It also works well as a ground cover rose.

How to Grow Banksia Rose

Banksia Rose White

Climatic Zones

Cool to Tropical.

Plant Size

Height: 9m, Width: 9m

When To Plant Banksia Rose

Plant in spring once the last frost has passed is the best time.

Soil Preparation

Tolerates a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained moist soil. It likes soil rich in organic matter so dig through well broken down manure or compost before planting.

How To Plant Banksia Rose

Plant in full sun to light shade.  Dig a hole that is double the width of the pot it came in. Fill the hole with water. This will check to see if the surrounding soil is free draining and also allow the surrounding soil to become wet and not take moisture out of the root ball. Remember to mix compost through the soil when planting. Add a layer of mulch around the plant to keep the moisture in however keep the mulch away from the stem of the rose.

Banksia Rose Plant Care

When watering keep moist in its first year until established and in dry conditions. It dislikes the soil being water-logged.

Use a slow release or rose fertiliser during the growing period. Add a layer of mulch to keep in the moisture, however keep the mulch away from the stem.

You can prune to shape and to keep vigorous, however annual pruning is not required. If required, prune in Summer after the main flush of flowers is over; these plants flower on last season’s wood so pruning in Winter will mean an absence of flowers for the following season. Remove damaged branches.

Banksia rose can suffer from powdery mildew in very humid conditions.