Fortuniana Hybrid Banksia Rose: Vigorous Rootstock and Ornamental Climber

The Fortuniana rose, a Hybrid Banksia/Old Garden Rose/Species Cross from 1840, is famed both as a vigorous rootstock for grafting and as an ornamental climber with masses of small, double white flowers. Introduced by Fortune, it bears numerous synonyms: Bank's de Fortune, Double Cherokee, Fortuneana, and Rosa fortuneana.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Cultivar: 'Fortuniana'
Additional names: Bank's de Fortune, Double Cherokee, Fortuneana
Hybridized by: Fortune
Registered/Introduced: 1840
Synonyms: Rosa fortuneana, Rosa fortuniana, Rosa x fortuneana, Rosa x fortuniana

This rose is a cross between Rosa banksiae and Rosa laevigata, combining the evergreen, thornless nature of Banksiae with larger, double blooms.

Growth Habit and Blooms

Extremely vigorous climber to 20+ feet. Nearly thornless, evergreen in mild climates. Clusters of small (1–1.5 inch), fully double, white flowers with a light violet fragrance bloom profusely in spring.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Soil: Adaptable, prefers well-drained.
• Watering: Drought tolerant once established.
• Pruning: After spring bloom; remove old wood.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 7–10 (tender in severe cold).

Uses

Widely used as rootstock in warm climates (especially Florida) for its nematode resistance and vigor. As an ornamental, it covers large structures quickly. Not recommended for small gardens.