Unusual giant rose bush

Buzz and Marilyn Wells have a single Lady Banks Rose (Rosa Banksiae) in their backyard on Valley Boulevard that they planted 30 years ago, and it just keeps growing and growing. The gigantic rose, shown with Wells granddaughters Kennedy (left) and Delaney (right), now stands over 25 feet tall and covers an area of about 300 square feet. The Lady Banks rose originated in central and western China and has no thorns. Every Spring the rose produces delicate yellow blossoms that give off a sweet scent similar to that of violets. With its thick growth, it also provides a haven and shelter for a wide variety of local birds.