Rosa banksiae Alba Plena – Double White Banksian Rose

An enormous, gorgeously scented rose for the larger garden in the warmest areas, Rosa banksiae Alba Plena is a vigorous, fast-growing, rambling rose, almost thornless and semi-evergreen. It does best trained against a warm, sunny, sheltered wall, where it will take up a great deal of room, but can also be trained through a sturdy tree or over a strong shed. The divided leaves are quite small, glossy, and deep green. In April and May the double white Banksian rose  is covered for several weeks with large clusters of small (1”/2.5cm), fully double, creamy-white roses with a delicate scent of violets which carries on the air. Like all Banksian roses, it should not be pruned regularly; just take out a couple of the oldest stems to the base every few years.

Site: Sheltered, warm, sunny site
Soil: Any fairly light, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: April and May
Hardiness:  Fairly hardy
Height: 40’ (12m) Spread: 20’ (6m)