Alba White Climbing Rose

Alba White Climbing Rose (Rosa banksiae 'Alba') is a vigorous, almost thornless climber that smothers a fence, arch or pergola in small, double white flowers each spring. In good conditions it reaches 9m high and up to 6m wide, so it needs a big structure and a place to run. The small, fern-like leaves give it a light texture that suits a cottage garden.

Why you'll love it

• Almost thornless. Training and tying in are far more comfortable than with most roses, because the stems are almost free of thorns.
• Quick to cover. It grows fast, so a new pergola, arch or fence line gets its green cover without years of waiting.
• Generous clusters. Each flower is small and double, but they open in big clusters. Expect one generous flush in spring, with a few following into early summer.
• Copes with a light frost. It comes through a light frost, which keeps it reliable in a wide range of gardens.
• Pet friendly. Roses are not toxic to dogs or cats, so it is a safe choice for a family garden, though young stems can still scratch.

Where it works best

Pergolas and arches. Train the main stems along the structure and let side shoots hang down. For a long pergola, plant 3m apart.

Fences and screens. Tie stems in horizontally along a fence or wires, which encourages more flowering shoots and a thick screen. Space plants 3m apart.

Hiding eyesores. A shed, carport or bare wall disappears under it within a few seasons. This is a plant for large structures, and it will overwhelm a small trellis.

Growing Alba White Climbing Rose in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sunny spot. It thrives in warm, moist climates, which makes subtropical and warm temperate gardens its best match. It handles a light frost, but in colder gardens give it a sheltered wall.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Dig in compost before planting and mulch over the roots, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 months so it builds a strong root system. After pruning, apply a slow release fertiliser and mulch again. Stake and tie in stems as they grow to train the shape.

Pruning. Prune after flowering, not in winter. It flowers on old wood, so a winter prune removes the coming display. Thin out crowded stems and tie in the best growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alba White Climbing Rose as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is in the ground. Expect a young plant that is mainly a few stems at first. Stake it from the start and water regularly in its first year; the vigour comes quickly once the roots settle.

Because tube stock is supplied by our grower, it is not always available. When it is sold out, use the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse climbing plants
• More roses
• Rose care guide for Australian gardens
• Pruning for beginners

Common questions

How big does it get?

Up to 9m high and 6m wide in ideal conditions. Plant it against a large structure and allow plenty of room, because it is much too big for a small fence.

Does it have thorns?

It is almost free of thorns, which makes it easier to handle than most roses, though you may still meet the odd prickle on young shoots.

When should I prune it?

Straight after the spring flowers have finished. Pruning in winter cuts away the wood that carries the flowers.