Propagating Roses from Cuttings: How to Clone Your Favorite Bush

Starting a New Rose from a Cutting

Taking cuttings (often called "slips") is the only way to guarantee an exact genetic replica of a specific rose bush. Seeds produce variable offspring. The best cuttings come from the tip of a cane that has recently flowered—semi-hardwood, not soft green tips or old woody stems.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Select 6–8 inch cuttings with 3–4 bud eyes (where leaves attach).
2. Remove all but the top 1–2 leaf sets.
3. Wound the base slightly (scrape bark) and dip in rooting hormone powder.
4. Plant in moist sand, perlite, or a sterile potting mix.
5. Cover with a clear plastic bag or bottle to maintain humidity.
6. Place in bright, indirect light; keep medium moist but not soggy.
7. Roots typically form in 6–8 weeks. Gradually acclimate to open air.

Tips for Success

• Take at least 10 cuttings; many will fail.
• Spring and early summer are optimal times.
• Identify the parent rose if possible—over 300 new varieties are introduced annually, and commercial lifespans average 5 years, making visual ID unreliable.

For detailed guides, consult the American Rose Society propagation resources or reputable horticulture sites.