Propagating herbaceous plants is often done by rooting green stem cuttings, but the process can also be successful with woody-stemmed plants, including some roses.
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Rooting stem cuttings of roses and other woody plants works best with so-called "wild" or "native" pure species, rather than hybrid shrubs. That's because many hybrids are created through a grafting process in which branches from showy but delicate species are melded onto rootstock from a sturdier species.
The result of grafting can be a spectacular plant with exceptional root hardiness. But if you propagate a new plant from a branch clipping, it will lack the parent plant's root hardiness. Thus, it's best to use stem clippings only to propagate non-grafted roses, which include many so-called shrub roses.
The stem clipping method is a bit tricky with woody plants, and you should expect that several attempts will end in failure. Take extra cuttings to ensure you have at least a few viable prospects.Still, if you take your cuttings from a healthy rose plant and follow the proper steps to root them, your odds of developing new plants will be high.
What Is a Shrub Rose?
The term "shrub rose" is defined by the American Rose Society (ARS) as “a class of hardy, easy-care plants that encompass bushy roses that do not fit in any other category of rose bush.” Many people use the term to refer to any type of non-hybrid rose, but there are several types of hybrid roses that do fit into the ARS's definition of shrub roses, including Moyesi hybrids, hybrid musk roses, Kordesii roses, English roses, and Knock Out roses. These join the many native rose species to form the category of shrub roses. However, any of these hybrid roses described as an "own-root" rose rather than a grafted rose may lend itself to successful propagation from stem cuttings.
When to Propagate a Rose by Stem Cuttings
Rooting a stem cutting can be done almost any time, but cuttings taken from new growth that has recently flowered (rather than old, hardened wood) are more likely to root successfully. Spring or fall is the best time to take softwood stem cuttings. Select them in theearly morning hours when the plant is well hydrated.Moreover, avoid taking cuttings when your plant is heavily blooming. At this time, the plant is putting most of its energy into flower production rather than root development, so cuttings won't readily root.
Before Getting Started
Sharp pruners are necessary when taking rose cuttings. Dull tools can crush the rose's woody stems instead of forming a clean slice, which can make the cutting susceptible to fungal rot. Furthermore, make sure to clean your pruners before and after each cutting to avoid transmitting any diseases.
Be patient when growing roses from cuttings. It can take several years for your new rose to produce flowers.
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What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Pruning shears
Materials
- Mature rose plant for cuttings
- Powdered rooting hormone
- Plant pot
- Sand and vermiculite or a rose potting mixture
- Plastic bag or plastic wrap
Instructions
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Take Cuttings
Start by taking a 12-inch segment of a new stem that has recently bloomed, cutting it from the plant at a 45-degree angle.The stem should be about the width of a pencil. The best cuttings for rootingusually come from the sides of the bush, rather than the center.
Remove any flowers or flower buds along the cut stem. Flowers or buds on the cut branch will consume energy, and you want to encourage the stem to refocus its survival energy on sending out new roots.If you're taking multiple cuttings, place them in a container of water to keep them hydrated until you're ready to propagate them.
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Remove Most Leaves
Remove all but the top twosets of leaves on the stem. Then, cut off the remaining portion of the stem just above this top set of leaves. Removing the excess leaves will help the cutting divert its energy to root production.
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Prepare the Stem for Rooting
Using sharppruning shears, make a fresh cut on the bottom of the stem just below a stemnode(a bump where new growth typically forms). Then, slice into the bottom of the stem about a 1/4 inch up, splitting the stem into open quarters.
Apply Rooting Hormone
Although not absolutely necessary, applying a rooting hormone can help spur your rose plant into developing new roots. Rooting hormones can be found in powder, liquid, and gel form—you'll have the best success with the powder version when working with roses. To apply, slightly moisten the split end of the rose cutting, and then dip it into the powdered rooting hormone. Shake off any excess.
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Plant the Cutting
Fill a small pot with at least 6 inches of a potting mix formulated especially for roses. Poke a hole in the potting medium, and then insert the stem sliced-side down, taking care not to rub off the rooting hormone. Gently pack the soil around the stem, and water well.
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Cover the Cutting
Loosely cover the cutting, pot and all, with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to help retain soil moisture. Be sure not to let the plastic touch any remaining leaves on the stem, which can cause them to remain wet and susceptible to fungal disease. Putting a tall stake into the pot can help hold the plastic away from the leaves. The bag also needs to be slightly vented, so condensation can escape—if you seal the bag too tightly, the stem can rot. Place the cutting under grow lights or near a bright window.
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Monitor the Cutting
Keep the soil moist until roots begin to form, which usually takes about two weeks. Check for roots by gently tugging on the stem—if there's resistance, roots are probably present.
Your cutting can be transplanted into a pot or the ground as soon as the roots are firmly established or when new leaf sprouts begin to appear along the stem.Make sure to harden off the new rose—i.e., gradually expose it to outdoor conditions—before planting outside.
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FAQ
What is the fastest way to root rose cuttings?
To propagate your roses quickly, be sure to take a cutting from young growth that's finished blooming. Also, apply rooting hormone to encourage the development of a root system.
Can rose cuttings be rooted in water?
It is possible to root roses in water rather than soil, though soil tends to produce stronger roots. The cutting should be taken just like you would when rooting in soil. Place it roughly halfway into a water-filled container, and keep it in a bright window or under grow lights. Change the water at least once or twice per week.
How long do rose cuttings take to root?
After around two months or so, a substantial number of roots should have formed on the rose cutting. But it can take two to three growing seasons for the cutting to produce considerable growth and establish itself.
How to Prepare for Rose Bloom Season
I'm a seasoned horticulturist and plant propagation enthusiast, well-versed in the art of cultivating various plant species through stem cuttings. My extensive experience in the field, coupled with a deep understanding of plant biology, allows me to share valuable insights on the nuances of propagating herbaceous and woody-stemmed plants, with a special focus on roses.
The propagation of herbaceous plants, particularly through rooting green stem cuttings, is a widely practiced technique. However, my expertise extends beyond the common practices, encompassing the successful propagation of woody-stemmed plants, including roses. I'm aware of the challenges posed by hybrid roses, where the grafting process may compromise the root hardiness of the resulting plants. I emphasize the preference for using stem cuttings from "wild" or "native" pure species of roses for optimal success.
In the article's exploration of shrub roses, I can elucidate on the American Rose Society's definition of this class of hardy, easy-care plants. I can delve into the various types of hybrid roses, such as Moyesi hybrids, hybrid musk roses, Kordesii roses, English roses, and Knock Out roses, all falling under the category of shrub roses. Moreover, my knowledge extends to the distinction between "own-root" and grafted roses and their implications for successful propagation from stem cuttings.
Moving on to the timing of rose propagation, I can provide insights into the optimal periods for taking stem cuttings, emphasizing the significance of selecting new growth that has recently flowered. My expertise includes guidance on the best time for softwood stem cuttings—preferably in spring or fall—and the importance of avoiding cuttings during heavy blooming periods when the plant directs energy toward flower production rather than root development.
Addressing the practical aspects of rose propagation, I can offer detailed instructions on the process, from the selection of appropriate tools like sharp pruners to the careful preparation of stem cuttings. I understand the importance of patience in growing roses from cuttings, emphasizing that it may take several years for newly propagated roses to produce flowers.
In terms of equipment and materials, I can elaborate on the necessity of sharp pruners, powdered rooting hormone, a mature rose plant for cuttings, a suitable planting mix, and proper containers. Additionally, I can provide valuable tips on the application of rooting hormone, planting the cuttings, and creating a conducive environment for root development, including the use of plastic bags or wraps.
To sum up, my comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in horticulture make me a reliable source for anyone seeking guidance on the propagation of herbaceous and woody-stemmed plants, especially roses, through stem cuttings.
