Lady Banks rose is a familiar sight in many southern cities. Having lived in Virginia, wandering through the historic neighborhoods in late Spring was magical. A bright spot in my day was catching a glimpse of the Lady Banks rose as she danced among the branches of nearby trees. I could not move my Lady Banks rose from my Virginia garden, as she was well into her journey towards the sun.
ROSA BANKSIAE
Need a little privacy? Have 15 – 20 feet to spare? Let me introduce you to the Lady with attitude. Rosa banksiae is The Lady Banks rose. Her rule is easy to remember. Allow her to roam, climb, and drape. This is the only rule. Lady Banks will climb over, through and around almost anything she wants. She owns where ever she is planted. You would not want to contain her too much, as she blooms on old wood. Some cultivars are delicately fragrant with thornless branches. This rose will flirt with your plant sense until you realize…you need her. After all, the vision of Lady Banks is like yellow pearls dotting a wall of slender green leaves.
She is the ultimate Lady. Diseases and pests ignore her presence. Virtually undemanding, she silently caresses anything in her way, as she reaches for the heavens above. Who would not want such a Lady in their garden, if room to grow was not an issue?
FINDING THE LADY
My garden buddy, Mary Alice, and I traveled to Winchester for an apple festival. We stopped by a nursery and found some very good deals. Behind some traditional roses, I also found an unexpected prize. There was a one-gallon container of the Lady Banks rose. I think I ran to the register, happily claiming my prize. Finally, I had a long-awaited addition to my Maryland garden.
Realizing her needs, I knew, like any free-spirited Lady, she would need room to roam freely. Room to climb, drape and perhaps even gently overwhelm anything that stood in her way. At the edge of the woodland, on a sunny, but partly shady slope, she was home. I placed the Lady in her forever spot and patiently waited.
When the world was considered normal, I never really found time to see how she was doing…but never forgot she was there. Now at this time of unintentional pausing, I am noticing parts of my garden in a different way.
I purposely planted her in a spot where she would simply glow when in bloom. When she had reached a point of sharing the golden ruffled blooms, I knew she would call out to me. Today, she called my name, “Teri, “I am here, just for you. Enjoy.”
This morning I noticed a weeping branch with yellow blooms and I was star struck. The yellow pearls of bloom lazily draped over and through the trees within reach. Such an amazing sight to see.
Under skies of gray, clouds bulging with heavens tears, I captured a bloom. I was reminded of a Virginia garden, in my past. I look forward to more memories in my new life, a different garden, being present, and making time to pause.
With petals soaking wet from today’s rain, a hydrangea displayed yellow confetti signaling the end of the show. In a partly shady corner, at the rear of my front garden, raindrops resting on my cheeks…I smiled.
Finally, Lady Banks rose is at home in my garden to stay. I welcome her presence. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the beautiful, albeit brief dance of Spring.
Do you have a memory of a well-loved plant that evokes memories? Is it finally in your garden or are you still on the hunt? A well-loved plant is like welcoming an old friend home to stay.
Welcoming familiar faces and old plant friends …
Teri, Cottage In The Court.
To find out more about the Lady Banks Rose, click here
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