Family: Rosaceae

Worldwide this species is known as Lady Bank’s Rose. The common name (and the species epitaph) is named for Dorothea Lady Banks, the wife of the botanist Sir Joseph Banks.

In Arizona we refer to this plant as the Tombstone Rose after the very famous plant in Tombstone, Arizona—the largest specimen of any rose in the world. The plant was planted by a young miner named Henry Gee and his bride Mary. By 1933 it had become known as the largest rose in the world. The plant covers up to 9,000 square feet of the roof on an inn, and has a 12-foot circumference trunk! We usually grow regionally native plants, but some plants make it to our list because they are heritage plants, and since they don’t stand a chance to be invasive here, yet perform well in our arid climate, we sell it.

Don’t worry, they don’t usually get as big as the famous Tombstone rose. These vine-like roses are evergreen, with canes of great vigor. Plants sprawl and climb to 50 or more feet if left unpruned. but usually people keep them pruned back. Fragrant rose flowers appear in spring and can be yellow or white. The white plant differs from the yellow in being more fragrant, and has small thorns. Otherwise they are very similar.

Plant in full to part sun, provide moderate water, hardy to well below 0°F. Plants are not very needy, but an annual feeding is welcome.

Flowers attract all kinds of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

The leaves of this plant are said to possess qualities useful in the treatment of wounds and the promotion of tissue formation. The plant is also rich in tannins which are used medicinally as astringents. The flowers are edible and can be used as salad garnish.

Photo by harrylurling, iNaturalist