Rosa Banksiae

Rosa banksiae, the Banksian rose, is a wild climbing rose native to central and western China, named in honor of Lady Banks, wife of botanist Sir Joseph Banks. In Japan it is widely known as 'Mokkō-bara'. Its small blooms — 1–2cm across — are produced in extraordinarily dense clusters in a once-blooming spring display of unparalleled abundance. Two primary forms are cultivated: yellow-flowered 'Lutea' and white-flowered 'Banksiae'. The plant is entirely thornless, making it exceptionally easy to handle. Vigorous canes extend 5–10m, capable of covering large pergolas, walls, and fences completely. Disease resistance is outstanding; the plant requires virtually no spraying. Because next year's flowers are produced on the current season's growth, post-bloom pruning should be limited to tidying, avoiding removal of young shoots.

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