Is it possible to prune a Lady Banks Rose into tree form or shrub form. I have had mine for several years and would like to prune it to look like a tree or shrub form.

Answer #1 · Brooks Wilson's Answer · Hi Sally,

I like to think that all upright growing plants can be tree formed. Lady Banks Rose is a fast grower so it might take quite a bit of pruning, but oh well, if it's just one plant that needs that much attention, it might be well worth it. I really feel like tree forming shows off a plant so much more than leaving it in a shrub form. As long as it's located in a spot that calls for a speciman tree form, you should be all good. To tree form the Lady banks rose I would start by removing all but 1-3 of the main stalks at the bottom of the shrub, depending on whether you prefer a multi trunk or single trunk treeform. If you want a single trunk, try to pick the strongest stalk that is standing in a straight up position. Prune out all of the other stalks and lower branching until you get the desired form. You will need to prune regularly to keep the tree form effect. It's hard to kill a Lady Banks Rose, so there's not much to worry about when tree forming it. Have fun in the garden...that's what it's all about.

Hope this helped you out!

Brooks Wilson)