Lady Banks Rose Reverting: Yellow 'Lutea' Sport Back to White Species

The original Lady Banks rose (Rosa banksiae var. banksiae) was white, introduced 1807. The yellow 'Lutea' came from China in 1824. A yellow plant producing white flowers is reverting to the species form, which is more vigorous and will overtake the yellow.

What to Do

Prune out white-flowering canes at the base to preserve the yellow form, but expect continued reversion. The white form is genetically dominant.