Rosa banksiae normalis - Normalis Banks Rose - Lady Banks Rose

USDA Hardiness zones: 4-10

Rose type: Wild

Rose color: White/Yellow

Characteristics: There are four types of R. banksiae in cultivation, including what might be the very best rose for the desert environment, the Lady Banks Rose (R. banksiae). Native to Southern Arizona the Lady Banks Rose is hardy, extremely heat tolerant and can handle brief periods of drought. The largest Lady Banks Rose in existence is located in the town center of Tombstone, Arizona and for this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Tombstone Rose". This vigorous rose can climb up to 30 feet and larger in the right conditions. Small, white or yellow clusters of flowers bloom at the end of light green, thin stems. It has been said there is a red variety of this rose but I tend to think that's some sort of mislabeled Chinese hybrid.

Parentage: N/A

Native: North America

Photos:

The Lady Banks Rose is one of the easiest roses to grow in the desert.

The R. x fortuniana is sometimes used as a rootstock in warmer climates. It has thicker, double white flowers and is loaded with thorns.