Propagating Antique Roses: Cuttings and Layering for 'Clotilde Soupert'

The fragrant, repeat-blooming 'Clotilde Soupert' rose is a treasure worth multiplying. Early summer offers two reliable propagation methods: rooting cuttings and soil layering. Both yield new plants identical to the parent.

Rooting Cuttings

1. Select a 4–6 inch stem with brown, woody bark at the base and green growth at the tip. Cut just below a leaf node at a slant.
2. Remove the lowest leaf, leaving a couple of leaves at the top.
3. Dust the cut end with rooting hormone (e.g., Rootone).
4. Insert 2 inches deep into a 1:1 mix of moist perlite and peat moss in a clay pot.
5. Cover with an inverted clear jar or plastic bottle to maintain humidity.
6. Place in bright, indirect light. Keep media moist but not soggy.
7. Roots form in about 8 weeks. Remove cover gradually. Grow in pot until next spring before transplanting.

Soil Layering

1. Identify a flexible, low-growing cane. Lightly wound the bark where it touches the ground with a dull knife.
2. Apply rooting hormone to the wound.
3. Dig a shallow trench, bend the cane down, and bury the wounded section. Anchor with a brick or stone.
4. Leave the leafy tip exposed.
5. Roots develop in 10 weeks. Sever from mother plant and transplant next spring.

Both methods work well for this small, wiry rose. Choose cuttings for more plants, layering for a higher success rate with less fuss.

Prepare cuttings with a slanting cut just below a leaf node.