Own-Root Roses: Benefits and Trade-offs vs. Grafted Plants

Many gardeners assume their roses grow on their own roots, but most are actually grafted onto 'Dr. Huey', a vigorous rootstock. When hybrid teas surged in popularity in the 1940s, growers began budding them onto stronger rootstocks to compensate for their lack of vigor. By the late 1970s, however, breeders started returning some roses to their own roots. Recently, own-root climbers and floribundas have entered the market.

Jackson & Perkins (877/322-2300), a major Western rose producer, leads this shift. "The gene pool has improved so much in vigor, production, and disease resistance that most recent roses thrive on their own roots," says Keith Zary, VP of research. "All our new roses will have that capability." They label these "New Generation"; other growers simply mark them "own-root."

Reasons to Choose Own-Root Roses

• True regrowth after freeze: If an own-root rose dies to the ground, new growth is the same variety. Grafted roses regrow as 'Dr. Huey' from the rootstock.
• No suckers: Grafted roses produce rootstock suckers below the bud union; own-root roses don't.
• Smaller stature: Own-root roses reach about ¾ the size of grafted counterparts—ideal for small gardens.
• Rounded form: They produce more, thinner canes, creating fuller, rounder plants—great for landscaping, less ideal for exhibition.
• Slower establishment: Grafted roses leap out the first year; own-root roses need a second year or more to show their true form.

Consider these attributes when deciding whether to make the switch.