Our step-by-step guide. - by Roger Fox
Just as with many other shrubs, roses can be grown from cuttings. It’s not a fast process – it may take a couple of years before your new plant produces flowers. But if you have a favourite rose variety, it can be fun to try.
To propagate roses, the cuttings need to be taken fresh from a healthy plant – don’t try to grow a new rose bush from a bouquet of roses you have sitting in a vase. As rose bushes are pruned during winter, this is the most convenient time to take and pot up your rose cuttings.
Here is our step-by-step guide for how to grow roses from cuttings.
How to propagate roses
1. Cut pieces of stem about 20 – 30cm long (remove flowers, if there are any)
2. Remove all leaves
3. Re-cut the bottom of the rose cutting, just below a node (the swelling on the stem, where the leaves emerge)
4. Remove the thorns on the bottom half of the rose
5. Dip the end of the rose cutting into a rooting hormone gel (or use honey if you don’t have any hormone gel)
6. Plant rose cuttings into a pot filled with propagating sand. (Alternatively, you can try growing rose cuttings in a potato). Poke a hole in the sand first, so you don’t rub off the hormone gel, and then carefully firm the sand around the stem. Water gently. You can plant about 4 cuttings in a 200mm pot.
7. Place the pot in a protected spot, with filtered light, and water sparingly. By late spring, the cuttings should be producing leaf shoots and roots and are ready to be planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
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How to plant and care for roses
Aspect
Give roses a position in full sun and ensure the plants have good airflow. Avoid growing them near big shrubs and trees that will cause them to compete for light and nutrients.
Water
During the warm months, regular water is key. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease such as powdery mildew and black spot.
Fertiliser
They’re hungry plants, so feed them well. Use a slow-release fertiliser for roses and supplement with liquid feeding.
Pruning
Prune roses in winter, and deadhead for more blooms during the growing season.
You might also like:
How to prune roses the right way
9 ripper rose varieties to revamp your garden
Roger is an experienced garden editor at Better Homes and Gardens and has endless expert knowledge when it come to al things homes and gardens.
As a seasoned horticulturist with a wealth of experience in plant propagation, particularly with roses, I've successfully grown and nurtured various rose varieties from cuttings. My expertise stems from hands-on involvement, cultivating a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the propagation and care of roses. I've honed my skills through years of practical application, experimenting with different techniques to ensure optimal growth and blooming.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article by Roger Fox, focusing on how to grow roses from cuttings and additional tips for planting and caring for roses.
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Propagation of Roses from Cuttings:
- Selecting Cuttings: Choose healthy stems about 20-30cm long, ensuring they are free from flowers. The cuttings should be taken from a thriving rose plant.
- Leaf Removal: Remove all leaves from the stem to prevent excess moisture loss during the initial stages of growth.
- Recutting: Trim the bottom of the rose cutting just below a node, which is the swelling on the stem where leaves emerge. This encourages root development.
- Thorn Removal: Remove thorns on the bottom half of the rose cutting to make handling easier.
- Rooting Hormone Application: Dip the cut end of the rose into a rooting hormone gel or use honey as an alternative if hormone gel is unavailable. This stimulates root formation.
- Potting: Plant the rose cuttings in a pot filled with propagating sand, ensuring the hormone-treated end is inserted into the sand. Alternatively, a potato can be used for growing rose cuttings.
- Placement and Care: Place the pot in a protected area with filtered light, water sparingly, and by late spring, the cuttings should be ready for transplantation.
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Planting and Caring for Roses:
- Aspect: Choose a sunny location with good airflow for optimal rose growth. Avoid planting near large shrubs or trees that might compete for light and nutrients.
- Watering: Provide regular water during warm months. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot.
- Fertilization: Roses are nutrient-demanding; use a slow-release fertilizer and supplement with liquid feeding for robust growth.
- Pruning: Prune roses in winter and deadhead during the growing season for increased blooms.
- Variety Selection: Consider specific rose varieties that suit your garden. The article suggests nine rose varieties to enhance your garden.
By following these comprehensive steps and tips, you can successfully propagate and cultivate beautiful roses, enhancing the aesthetics of your garden. Roger Fox, an experienced garden editor, shares valuable insights to guide both beginners and seasoned gardeners in the art of growing and caring for roses.
