We would like to plant a Lady Banks to climb a column supporting the veranda and spread across an open latilla roof. The problem is that the column sits18” from the edge of the veranda slab. If we plant in the ground, the growth would be sort of an “S-curve”.
We’re wondering if it could go into a large terra cotta container,12” deep x 20” Dia. that could be placed right against the column. If that’s too small, what’s the min. container size? The location is in full afternoon sun and exposed to alternate night freezing temps and daytime thawing in our high desert NM winter.
You and the Banksiae will be significantly happier in the long run if you plant it in the ground and deal with the “S” curve to get it up and over the open latilla roof. Granted, they grow them in 5 gallon nursery cans for many seasons until they sell in nurseries but the plants aren’t “happy”. Your climate may limit its growth a bit, but Banksiae wants to be enormous. 12” X 20” isn’t very large for that plant. I’m wondering if you’ve taken into consideration having to repot it every few years due to the soil breaking down and washing out of the drain holes? Planted in the ground, your primary problem will be limiting its growth to your latilla roof. Perhaps you may be better served by planting Purezza? It’s a hybrid Banksiae crossed with the mini, Tom Thumb. It has larger flowers on a smaller plant, but still vigorous enough to grow over the roof, just not AS much of a cathedral eater as Banksiae wants to be.
I would not plant that rose in a container. I have one planted on a fence and it is easily 20 ft across. That rose is a barn swallower. You will be much happier if you plant it in the ground and deal with the S curve which I don’t think will be noticeable.
I would agree that Lady Banks is not ideally grown in a container. It is an extremely vigorous grower, and will not stop growing at 20-25 feet. I have one that big that I am going to have to move or remove as it is just too big for its fairly generous location.Can easily grow 50 ft. It is a special rose, covered with beautiful tiny yellow blooms, one of the first to bloom in the spring, but is really a massive grower and needs an appropriate location.
That being said, you can always try and see what happens, being aware of the above. I have planted many roses in funny locations, and sometime they succeed! Vigour does tend to be significantly reduced when grown in a pot, but there are many other roses more suited to that location you might consider.