How to Make a New Cutting From a Rose Bush

Overview

Roses can be successfully grown from "hardwood" cuttings taken from an established rose bush in the late summer or early fall. This trusted method to propagate roses has been used by gardeners for generations. Use it to multiply your own rose garden or to share favorite plants with friends and family. Always take multiple cuttings from a rose bush to ensure successful new plants.

Rose cuttings

Step 1

Select a straight rose cane that is at least as thick as a pencil and 12 in. long. A cane that has recently bloomed is an ideal candidate for a rose cutting. Cut from the bush with sharp shears at a 45-degree angle.

Step 2

Trim the top of the cutting to just above a leaf joint. Remove all but two or three leaves. Trim the bottom of the cane to just below the bottom leaf joint.

Step 3

Make shallow, vertical cuts in the bark on the bottom inch of the cutting to help the rose cutting produce roots.

Step 4

Dip the rose cane in rooting hormone, which you can buy at any garden shop or in the gardening department of a hardware store.

Step 5

Dig a 6-in. trench in the garden soil near the "mother" plant. If the dirt is too heavy, mix in sand for better drainage. Insert the rose cutting into the trench to a depth of 6 in. Cover the remaining cane with dirt and pat down firmly.

Step 6

Cover the cutting with a glass jar to protect the new plant and provide warmth. Remove the jar when watering. Check on the cutting in the spring to see if it has rooted well. Wait until fall to transplant the new rose into its permanent location.