Rosa banksiae, commonly known as Lady Banks’ rose, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen scrambling shrub or vine native to riverbanks and mountain slopes in central and western China. It can grow vigorously to 6 m (20 ft) tall and wide, with long, slender branches that are practically thornless, though some prickles up to 5 mm long may be present on stout shoots. The flowers are small, 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter, white or pale yellow, and fragrant, resembling the scent of violets. Lady Banks’ rose is one of the earliest flowering roses, typically blooming in May in the northern hemisphere, although cold weather can delay flowering.

This rose is valued for its mass of spring flowers, nearly thornless nature, and ability to cover structures quickly, making it ideal for use on trellises, arbors, fences, and as a ground cover in large areas. It is also used in heritage and cottage gardens. Lady Banks’ rose thrives in full sun to partial shade, requires medium amounts of water, and prefers well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can become quite large and may require pruning to keep it in bounds. It is resistant to many of the common rose diseases but can be susceptible to aphids and scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0