Rosa banksiae alba - rambler rose

Rosa banksiae alba is considered to be the wild form of the Banksia Rose, a large rambling rose that blooms in early spring in central and western China.  The long, flexible stems of this giant are almost thornless and its foliage is relatively disease-resistant and persists through mild winters. In spring it is covered in small, single white flowers surrounding a charming pink pistil, generally with a pleasant fragrance. Relatively hardy and undemanding, this rose will thrive in gardens in southern regions that endure long, hot, and dry summers. Further north, it will need a sheltered and sunny position. Alba is the rarest Banksia Rose in cultivation. 

Rosa banksia is a botanical species native to dry, mountainous subtropical regions in central and western China, at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2200 metres (1640 to 7218 feet). This vigorous rambling rose therefore likes warm climates, even dry in summer. Its species name, banksiae, is dedicated to Lady Banks, the wife of the famous botanist Sir Jospeh Banks, who brought it back from his expeditions in China, along with new chrysanthemums and many other plants still unknown in Europe. There are only two subspecies of this rose and very few hybrids, as the plant is quite resistant to cross-breeding. The banksiae rose, with semi-double to double, unscented flowers and no stamens, has been cultivated for centuries in Chinese gardens. This form (alba) was already growing in Scotland having been brought from China to Megginch Castle around 1796.

The growth of this rambling rose is impressive: a mature plant can send out stems that reach more than 12 metres (39 feet) high, with a base that can easily occupy 6 metres (20 feet) of ground space. Its growth is very rapid and the young, very flexible, spring-green stems, develop like giant asparagus spears after flowering; they can grow more than 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in a season. If left untrained, the Banksia alba rose will have a monumental fountain-like shape. The vegetation of this rose is generally thornless, which facilitates pruning and shaping. Flowering begins earlier or later, depending on the climate, from February in highly protected areas, May or June elsewhere. The 1-year-old branches produce countless clusters of small flowers (2 to 3 cm (1in)) with 5 white petals, and they are usually fragrant. Late frosts can therefore destroy this flowering. After pollination, small hips form and turn orange when ripe. The foliage is divided into 3 narrow and short leaflets, characterized by a leathery texture and a shiny green colour. It can sometimes be susceptible to powdery mildew when conditions are very hot and dry, but this robust rose generally overcomes this disease on its own. The long flexible stems should be tied to a support sheltered from cold winds. The smooth bark gradually transforms into rough strips revealing orange-ochre undersides on a mature trunk. 

Rosa banksiae alba will delight wild rose enthusiasts who garden in mild regions, including coastal areas. This climbing rose likes to invade old trees or slip between trees in a hedge, where it will demonstrate its formidable vigour. Its exuberant growth elegantly dresses a fence or a wall, even outside of the flowering season, from January to December in mild climates. In the south, it will provide perfect shade on a large south-facing arbour. Easy to maintain, and usually grown on its own roots, this rose requires no watering and no special care once established. Although it is drought-tolerant and very undemanding, it needs the shelter of a south-facing wall, in cooler regions, and maximum sunlight to induce its fabulous flowers. The Banksia Rose can be grown with other climbing roses, a summer-flowering clematis, or a trumpet vine for a flowering wall all summer long.