Identifying and Removing Sucker Canes on Grafted Roses

That vigorous, oddly different cane shooting up from the base of your rose bush? It's likely a sucker from the rootstock—and yes, you should remove it. Most modern roses are grafted onto vigorous rootstock (like 'Dr. Huey') that provides hardiness and disease resistance. Occasionally, the rootstock sends up its own canes, which look different from the grafted variety and can eventually overtake the desired rose if left unchecked.

How to Confirm It's a Sucker

Gently dig around the base of the plant to locate the graft union—a distinctive swollen knob or "lump" near soil level. If the questionable cane originates below this graft union, it's rootstock growth and should be removed. If it emerges above the graft, it's a desirable basal cane from your named variety and should be kept.

Proper Removal Technique

Don't just cut suckers off at ground level—they'll regrow with vigor. Instead, pull them downward sharply to tear them away from the rootstock, removing the dormant buds at the base. This "yanking" method is far more effective than pruning.

Regular inspection, especially in spring and early summer, keeps your rose true to type and directs all energy into the beautiful blooms you selected.