When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Who would have thought that in 1855 a homesick bride would plant what is now the largest rose bush in the world? Located in Tombstone, Arizona, a double-white Lady Banks climbing rose covers 8,000 square feet (743 sq. m.). Thats just under 1/5 of an acre! Read on for more Lady Banks rose growing info.
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing Lady Banks roses for years now, and let me tell you – these beautiful climbing roses can transform any garden into a stunning paradise. Today, I’m gonna share my tried-and-tested methods for propagating Lady Banks rose without breaking the bank.
Why Propagate Lady Banks Rose?
Before we dive in here’s why you might wanna multiply these beauties
- They’re super expensive to buy new plants
- You can get exact copies of your favorite rose
- It’s a rewarding DIY project
- You’ll save tons of money
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family
Best Time to Propagate
Timing is everything when it comes to successful propagation. Here’s when you should do it:
- Softwood Cuttings: Late spring to early summer
- Hardwood Cuttings: Late fall to mid-winter
- Avoid: Mid-summer (too hot!)
What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our supplies:
- Clean, sharp pruning shears
- Rooting hormone powder
- Organic potting mix
- Small containers
- Plastic bags or clear covers
- Water spray bottle
- Patience (lots of it!)
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
1. Selecting Your Cuttings
- Choose healthy stems 4-6 inches long
- Look for stems with no disease or pest damage
- Make sure the parent plant is well-hydrated
- Take multiple cuttings (not all will survive!)
2. Preparing the Cuttings
- Cut at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node
- Remove bottom leaves
- Keep top 2-3 leaves intact
- Keep cuttings moist while working
3. Planting Process
-
Mix equal parts
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Potting soil
-
Dip cutting in rooting hormone
-
Tap off excess powder
-
Make holes in soil mix
-
Plant cuttings 2-3 inches deep
-
Water thoroughly
4. Care and Maintenance
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight
- Maintain humidity with plastic cover
- Check for root development after 4-6 weeks
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what to watch for:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Rotting stems | Reduce watering, improve drainage |
| No roots forming | Check timing, use fresh cuttings |
| Yellowing leaves | Adjust water and light |
| Slow growth | Increase temperature |
Tips for Success
- Take more cuttings than you need
- Don’t let cuttings dry out
- Be patient – it takes time!
- Keep checking moisture levels
- Gradually remove humidity dome
When to Transplant
After your cuttings have rooted (usually 8-12 weeks), it’s time to move them to their forever home:
- Wait for strong root development
- Harden off gradually
- Plant in late summer or early fall
- Choose a spot with good air circulation
- Provide support structure
Final Thoughts
Y’know what? Propagating Lady Banks roses isn’t rocket science, but it does need some TLC. I’ve killed my fair share of cuttings before getting it right! Just remember – patience is key, and don’t get discouraged if some cuttings don’t make it.
These gorgeous climbers are worth the effort, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be sharing plants with everyone in your neighborhood! Trust me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your propagated roses bloom for the first time.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
What is a Lady Banks Climbing Rose?
Lady Banks (Rosa banksiae) is an evergreen climbing rose which can send out thornless vining branches over 20 feet (6 m.) in length. Hardy as an evergreen in USDA zones 9 to 11, Lady Banks can survive into USDA zones 6 to 8. In these colder climates, Lady Banks acts like a deciduous plant and loses its leaves during the winter.
The rose is named after the wife of Sir Joseph Banks, director of Kew gardens in England, after the plant was brought back from China by William Kerr in 1807. Lady Banks roses have been cultivated in China for centuries, and the original species no longer exists in natural settings. Its believed white is the original color of the Lady Banks climbing rose, but the yellow cultivar “lutea” is now more popular.
How to Plant a Lady Banks Rose
Choose a location that receives full sun for the Lady Banks rose. Growing these roses on a trellis or planting climbing roses near a wall, pergola, or archway is highly recommended. This rose is tolerant of many types of soil, but good drainage is necessary.
Propagation of Lady Banks is by asexual cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken during the growing season. Once rooted, plant cuttings in pots for transplanting in late spring or fall. Hardwood cuttings taken during winter dormancy can be planted directly into the ground during early spring. These can be planted as early as six weeks prior to the last frost date.
DIY Easy Propagating Lady Banks Climbing Roses Through Cuttings
FAQ
How to propagate Lady Banks rose?
Propagating Lady Banks Rose is easy and can be done without any professional help. Stem cuttings are a great way to propagate this beautiful plant – just follow the steps mentioned above, and you’ll have yourself some lovely new plants in no time!
How do you propagate Lady Banks?
Propagation of Lady Banks is by asexual cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken during the growing season. Once rooted, plant cuttings in pots for transplanting in late spring or fall. Hardwood cuttings taken during winter dormancy can be planted directly into the ground during early spring.
How do you plant a Lady Banks rose?
The most important factor when planting a Lady Banks Rose is choosing your site. This rose, when left untrained, grows into a giant, thicketed fountain with a center of upright canes that fan out at the top. Even if trained to grow over an arbor, it’s best to give this rose 10-20 feet of horizontal space to spread.