Flower Gardens

» Cottage_Garden - Start Roses from Cuttings

I received this question by email. I thought it would be of interest to many gardeners so I am responding here.... J.A. writes:

I can take some cuttings from several, what I call, wild roses. They are decades old and range in colors of predominate red, yellow, pink and white. At this particular homestead, they are in huge clusters around the property. If I get them home, how can I insure they will grow? J.A.

-- posted by Cottage_Garden

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» Cottage_Garden - How to root roses

Yes, you can certainly take tip cuttings from roses and root them to start your own plants. This works especially well with roses that are grown on their own roots.

Some of the grafted roses (such as most modern hybrid teas) may not root as well as the older "survivor" roses. Based on your description the roses you are talking about are probably growing on their own roots. But, even if they are grafted, it is still worth a try to propagate them by cuttings.

First things first, make sure you have the property owner's permission.

Next, plan ahead so you can keep the cuttings fresh on the way home. Some gardeners use a picnic cooler to do this when the weather is warm or the trip is a long one. You can enclose the cutting in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel wrapped around the cut end, then put that in the cooler (don't let it touch the ice, it just needs to be cool not frozen!) Label each bag as to which cutting is which!!!

Next, make sure your tools and equipment are clean. Use fresh potting mix and cleaned containers if you are using pots rather than sticking them in the ground. To sanitize equipment, you can rinse in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water and let them air dry. This helps limit disease such as fungal infections during the rooting process.

Here are some detailed directions on starting cuttings from roses. I would suggest reading all of them to get a good feel for what needs to be done and then figure out what you think will work best for you.

First, some very clear instructions to give you an overview of the steps you need to follow.

How to Propagate Roses by Cuttings

Here are instructions and a great diagram from the Texas Rose Rustlers group (who specialize in doing exactly what you are proposing)

How the Texas Rose Rustlers Do It

The following instructions were developed for Texas and similar warm winter areas (in terms of timing) but the detailed explanations and asides are helpful no matter where you are located.

Interesting Tips especially for Southern Gardeners

Some additional general instructions on tip cuttings you may find helpful.
Directions with Diagrams from University of Missouri Extension.

If you have the luxury of time, you might also consider layering. I think this is the easiest way to propagate shrubs -- including roses -- for home gardeners.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension has terrific instructions. How to Layer for Home Gardeners

Good luck with your project! Stop back and let us know how it goes for you!!

-- posted by Cottage_Garden

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