Rooting Roses from Cuttings or Slips is easy and fun. I have tried several methods and I share which ones actually work for me.
Rooting roses from cuttings or slips is easy and fun. Some roses are harder to root than others so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have success, it could be the rose and not you.
(this post may contain some affiliate links)
For my latest window sill propagation method see below where it says UPDATE
It is no secret I love roses. Almost any rose is top notch in my book but I have a special affinity for old roses , English Roses and their French counterpart, Romanticas.
Important Note:
(when choosing roses to take cuttings from please only use non-patented roses otherwise we are infringing on patents and that is considered stealing, there are tons of old roses that are not patented and they are easy care, tough plants)
I have shared a post on Rooting Lilacs from cuttings and my set up for roses is similar as far as the fish tank and box of soil mix. But if you don’t have that much room or you want a smaller set up? Voila’ I have you covered.
Eat the Potatoes
Just so you know I have tried the potato method that I have heard so much about and is popular on Pinterest, it just does not work for me. I have tried that method a few times and all I got were little potatoes and none of the cuttings rooted. NONE! At the same time the ones I started using my other methods I had 80% success rate.
So save the potatoes for eating and just go this route for rooting roses, it is so much easier and more successful.
So here we go.
Take your Cuttings
Take your cutting from a cane that has just finished blooming, you can see the spent blooms here.
My favorite tool for this is Fiskars Bypass Pruners
Some say getting the heel wood is the best but I cannot attest to that. I should do some experiments and see if it works better than just a cane cut below a leaf bud.
About 6 inch length is good and you want the cane to be close to the diameter of a pencil, it can be a bit smaller around but that gives you an idea.
Wound the cuttings
To wound the heels of the cuttings I scrape the end of the cutting with a very sharp knife or edge of my pruners to reveal the white layer, which is supposed to help in rooting.
I have also just stuck the canes as they are above straight into the rooting hormone and not wounded them and it has worked but wounding them supposedly produces more roots faster. It exposes more of the Cambium layer and here is the definition of that right from a dictionary:
Definition of CAMBIUM. : a thin formative layer between the xylem and phloem of most vascular plants that gives rise to new cells and is responsible for secondary growth.
You can also wound the rose cutting by slicing a straight line with a razor, sharp knife, or xacto knife straight into the cane and not scrape away the green part.
Rooting Hormone
After you have wounded your rose cutting or slips, dip the wounded ends into a rooting hormone or solution. This speeds up the rooting process. Right now I am loving this stuff for rooting.
Dyna Gro Rooting Concentrate
But I have used Olivia’s Cloning Gel and Garden Safe Take Root with success.
Potting Soil
Mix up a growing medium of half perlite and half potting soil. Get a non pre-fertilized mix. I use Ace store brand potting soil if I don’t have a pile of compost ready. Put your soil in a pot that is wide enough for your cover to fit over but have a space around the rim.
Terra Cotta
Right now I am using terracotta pots for rooting plants as I have found that because it breathes I have even more success than in plastic pots. Also by viewing the side of the pot I can tell if the soil is drying out, the clay shows if their is moisture present in the soil.
Put your canes down into the potting mix and water in well.
Cover
Cover your cuttings. My cover is a large plastic mayonnaise jar from Mayo we get at Costco. I like the wider size as I can fit more cuttings in the pot at once. Some like to use plastic bags or wrap but I have found that to be too fiddily.
Keep Moist
Here you can see the space between my cover and the pot. This is where I will water when I need to. See the darker color of the pot when it is moist. The base looks the same and when I see it drying out I know to water a bit. It is important to have a loose mix as you don’t want to drown the cuttings but you don’t want them to dry out either. Place in a bright place where it does not get direct sun. Direct sunlight will make it too hot for the cuttings and kill them off.
Before you know it you will have beautiful roots.
Re Pot
Don’t worry about the roots intertwining from all four canes. I just pop all the cuttings and soil out of the pot (once I know there are good roots) and I put it in a tub of water, the soil washes away and the roots slide apart. Re-pot each rooted rose cutting in its own pot and let it get big and strong.
UPDATE:
This past Summer and Fall I tried another way to root roses..the essentials are the same but this container is so awesome and for the most part free! My husband loves the frozen frappuccinos at coffee places and his empty cups are the best containers I have used so far to root roses.
They are so easy!
Just put some holes in the bottom (I use a metal skewer heated over a flame to melt holes into the bottom) of the cleaned cup.
Add your soil mix and poke the canes down into it.
I write the Rose name on the cup and lid so I know which ones are which.
Let the top of the canes come through the hole in the lid. I did 4 to 5 canes per cup. I like the taller cups better but it still works in the shorter ones. The domed lids are perfect as the hole in the center allows air to get in but still keeps the moisture levels high enough and I have not had any issue with mildew.
Another bonus is it is easy to water through the top hole when needed. You can monitor the moistness of the soil just by looking at them.
Another great feature….I can see when they have rooted!
I will let them get tons of roots before I separate them and pot them up into larger pots. For now they are doing great just in the cups.
I keep mine in the greenhouse but this would work on a windowsill too.
Sign up and get access to the printout worksheet of this post so you can file it or print it for future reference.
Want something for your roses to grow up…
Here is an easy DIY Arbor built from our Obelisk design!
Happy Gardening!
You May Also Enjoy…
Start Geraniums from Cuttings
Propagate Dahlias from Cuttings
Propagate Clematis by Layering
Propagate Perennials by Root Divisions
denise low says
Thank you for the information. The flowers are very beautiful.
Pamela says
You are most welcome, Denise. I love sharing the fun of flowers and gardens.
Ginene Nagel says
Boy, did I need this. The old shrub roses in the village gardens that I take care of have always do well. I’ve lost so many other perennials over the last two cold winters, that I have spaces to fill in and the village has no money for replacement plants. I printed this out. Thank you, dear lady! -Ginene
Pamela says
It is just plain fun too. Sounds like you have a great plan to rejuvenate the village gardens. You can also ask around, there may be other old roses that thrive that neighbors have in their gardens. It might be fun for them to see roses taken from there gardens around the village too.
Ginene Nagel says
That is an absolutely fantastic idea! The town could put the request out in the village newsletter.
Pamela says
Plus, you get all the fun starting these new roses. I would take 5 or 6 slips or cuttings from each volunteered plants. The more you try the better success rate you will have.
Christina Heard says
Pamela, I’m a new viewer of everything you do and I’m in love with it all, you are so talented. I have learned to paint canvas pictures from you that all my family loves. Thanks so much for all your great information. I have a question about the rooting roses post. How long should it take for roots to grow before i can replant them in pots? Previous tries I’ve made to propagate anything has always resulted in rotted ends with no roots growing but i also have never used a rooting liquid to dip them in which i am excited to try. Just how long should i leave them to root before dumping dirt out and looking for the rooting I don’t want to do it to early and disturb the process. Thanks again for all your post, especially using pictures for every step that is a great help!
Pamela says
It depends upon the time of year. It may help you to do them in the clear plastic cups, then you can see the roots at the bottom when they have developed. I always lose some too so that is normal, but I get probably 60 to 65% to root. 3 months is a good rule of thumb. Early spring cuttings are more vulnerable than ones taken after the first bloom. The ones I start in Late Fall take all winter and don’t typically show any results until April. The ones I take mid summer are usually rooted by Fall. I leave them in their little starting pots until they develop good strong roots which is probably another 3 months or more.
Christina heard says
How long should it take for the roots to start growing before i can plant them in pots?
Maggie says
It is now july 3rd. Is it too late to start rose cuttings this summer? i live in southern ontario cda.
Yu said it will take 3 – 4 mths before ready to be planted into garden.
What do i do with them because it will be winter/fall in couple of mths?
Maggie
Pamela says
This time of year they can actually root sooner because of the warm temps. I overwinter mine in my greenhouse but you can actually put them right in the ground once rooted well. Keep them shaded for a couple weeks until they get settled. I would mark where they are at a (they won’t be very big so a nice stick in the ground will remind you come Spring where they are.)
Mulch them to keep weeds at bay and you should be good to go.
If you would rather keep them in pots then bury the pot in soil so keep the roots from freezing solid or you can overwinter them in an unheated garage. I hope this helps.
Rebecca says
About how long does it take until roots grow? I have had my cuttings in soil about three weeks and there are leaves but I don’t see roots.
Pamela says
It can take from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on conditions and type of rose. I have had some take longer but I assume it was because the weather turned cold and my greenhouse is not heated. During the very active growing season like June and July (for me in N. Calif) is when it takes the least amount of time. But again, variety of rose can play a part as well.
Holly Trinaman says
can the cuttings be taken any time of year? how about march in zone 6?
Pamela says
If you are going to be pruning your roses anyways it does not hurt to try but it is claimed that right after the first bloom and on into summer is the best time. I have not tried this early in the year yet myself but I am never afraid of experimenting. In fact I probably should just for the hey of it. 🙂
Agrarian Geek says
Where to get the domed cups? Thanks very much.
Pamela says
These are from Starbucks, I save my husbands Blended Frappucino cups.
Praveen S says
I am in zone 11-13 in New Delhi India temperature here today was around 35 degree Celsius either I over water the cuttings or they dry up in sun. What should I do, the stems I am buying are from bouquet.
How do I grow them please guide, also some idea about growing roses from seeds will be helpful I have brought about 100 seeds from china, but I don’t trust the chinese sellers
Pamela says
Growing from bouquets is hard to say as sometimes they are not suitable for starting. It is best to take cuttings from a live plant. Also do not have them in direct sunlight, they will not be able to retain moisture, they need to be in a shady location. I have never grown from seed myself, it just takes too long but I have read about it. To prevent over watering make sure the medium you have them in is very free draining.
I wish I could be more help. Rose starts don’t mind the heat if they are in shade, they actually will do better where it is warmer.
Jean says
Can this rooting process be done with any Roses, such as Knock Out Roses?
Thanks,
Jean Clyburn
Pamela says
I have yet to try it with them but it does work with the majority of rose varieties, some take longer than others to root but eventually will.
Hope this helps you.
Caroline Gerardo says
I have rose patents. Roses out of patent are okay to do this but… years of work go into one cultivar
Jenny says
Thank you for your posting. It is very beautiful.
Herman morgan says
I’ve started roses from seeds easily. I get rose hips in the fall, remove the seeds, clean and dry them. Refrigerate for 1 month then plant them in December or January in the basement. By April they are 8 to 12 inches tall.
Pamela says
I have yet to try to grow some from seeds but I have always thought that would be fun. I need to give it a whirl. Thank you for the encouragement!
Pamela Rose says
Don’t know how you got the baby chick without a rooster around? Need a rooster to fertilize the eggs or no baby chicks. Sooooo how did the one come to be, or did you get some fertilized eggs? Too bad about the neighbor, I love to hear a rooster crow!
Pamela says
My mom has chickens with a rooster so I got some eggs from her or you can order fertilized eggs from several hatcheries online.
Pisa says
Ho, thank you for the great read. I habe followed every of the steps you have in this great tutorial. I have one question though;
At which point do you take the cover lid off? There’s been a shoot coming out with tiny reddish/pale green leaves. About 2cm long. Them there’s another bud at the bottom waiting anytime now to open.
I don’t know whether it has roots yet as its only been a week or two. Currently growing indoors.
Do you habe any advice on when I should take the lid cover off and will it affect the new growth if so?
Planning to plant them out once with of the leaves fully matures. Do you think that’s late?
Thank you in advance and I love the roses! Lovely. x
Pamela says
Typically it takes much longer to actually root. More like a couple months or more. Keeping it in a humid environment helps it until you know it does have roots. Most cuttings will have enough stored energy to put out leaves quite quickly but that does not mean it has rooted. Give it another month and then check to see if there are roots, then you can uncover it.
Aida says
I tried 40 over times but failed. The method is correct n there are shoot coming out but the stem becomes black n no roots. What should i do
Pamela says
The best time to take cuttings is right after they bloom. I am sorry you are having an issue but much depends also on the variety of rose, I am struggling myself with a rose that resists propagation. Some resist rooting no matter what. If you have access to the plant itself then try this method: https://www.flowerpatchfarmhouse.com/air-layering-to-root-roses/
Zoitsa says
Hi! I have a question. Can growing lights help with rose cuttings?. Because I’m having troubles with the right amount of light. Thank you!
I love roses too!!
Pamela says
Yes, I do use grow lights if I don’t have enough natural light. They work just fine.
Emma says
Great write up! I know nothing about gardening and only now I’m trying to learn about plants(I’m 35, am I late?) but it all seemed too scary. Your article is the only one that gives me faith and courage to try. Thanks a million!!
Pamela says
You are never too late to learn about plants. I am always learning still and that is part of the fun! One thing is for sure, gardening is so relaxing if you don’t let the failures get you down. With rooting plants there are tons of failures but that is just the nature of it all. So double up the amount and if you get too many just give them away to others. You are most welcome and enjoy your gardening adventures.
Shermalyn says
This information has been very helpful. I have successfully rooted some roses that my father planted. One in the ground and one in a pot When do I remove the jar and when do I transplant them? One is getting too tall for its jar. I am in Zone 7.
Pamela says
If it is actively growing and it has roots you can safely remove the jar. You can plant them into a larger container to allow the to grow on if you need to. Fall is a good time to plant in the ground, it is usually cooler but there is enough time for the roots to become established before winter cold sets in. Some allow them to grow on in the pots for a year before putting into the ground.
Shermalyn Greene says
I have another question that is somewhat related. One of the parent plants is at least 40 years old. It has not bloomed in several years. Any suggestions on how to encourage the rose to bloom? It may be a grafted plant but I’m not sure.
Pamela says
There are many variables so it is hard to say. Does it have healthy growth and plenty of leaves? Maybe it is getting too much nitrogen.
Or is it failing all the way around? It could need a hard prune to encourage new leafy growth.
It could be getting too much water or not enough. Is it getting enough sunlight? Is it competing with neighboring plants. Do tree roots grow under it? (they are notorious for hogging nutrients and water).
And there are some roses that resent being pruned at all. Not many but some. Now that I have left you hanging with no real answers I guess you are going to have to try trial and error. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
Judith says
I tried to replant my bud roses for several years, but couldn’t I’ll try this method. Thank you very much for nice explanation.
Shall I ask one question, why my rose plants give only one rose at a time? I used NPK blooms and oskmote too.
Thank you.
Pamela says
Its hard to say, there are so many variables that can affect blooming. Amount of sunlight, temps, watering etc. Even the type of roses can be a factor. I get the best performance from a good compost over any synthetic fertilizer. I get mine from a local organic turkey farm, you might check if there is something similar in your area. The good thing about compost is it feeds the soil which leads to better plant health in the long run.