Propagating Roses from Cuttings

Although transplanting and cuttings are not foolproof, cuttings may bring the greatest success. The easiest way to expand your rose collection is to order new plants from a nursery. But if you want to experiment with asexual propagation, you can dig up and transplant rooted shoots that emerge next to a mother plant, or take cuttings from the plant itself.

1. In late spring or early summer, cut a vigorous cane that has lost its blooms. Take about 6 inches off the top, removing old flower heads. Cut the remaining cane into 6-inch pieces, using sharp-angle cuts. The bottom of each piece should be cut as close as possible to a leaf node (where leaves form), with no more than two leaflets attached. Dip the bottom 1 inch into rooting hormone powder and plant; or submerge in willow water overnight, then plant.

2. Place each cutting in a 6-inch peat pot filled with a moist mixture of equal parts sand, perlite, and sterile potting soil. Mist the cutting, place a plastic bag over the pot, and secure. Keep cuttings outdoors in a bright spot shaded during the hottest part of the day. Water periodically to keep moist but not wet. When rooted (generally within a month), transplant the cutting, pot and all, to a permanent garden spot. The peat pot will deteriorate over time. Willow water is a natural root-promoting solution made by soaking chopped willow twigs in water overnight.