How to Propagate Rose

Rosa spp.

Roses are notoriously inconsistent to root from cuttings, and success varies a great deal by variety. Hardwood cuttings taken in fall, kept outdoors over winter in soil, tend to succeed more reliably than softwood cuttings taken in summer.

Stem cutting

1. In fall, cut 8–10 inch sections of pencil-thick, mature stem.
2. Strip all leaves; make a straight cut at the top, angled cut at the base.
3. Dip the base in rooting hormone.
4. Insert two-thirds of the length into loose garden soil or a pot outdoors.
5. Leave undisturbed through winter; roots and new growth appear in spring.

When to propagate

Fall for hardwood cuttings, spring for softwood — fall generally has better odds for beginners.

Common problems

Most cuttings failed. Normal — rose cuttings have a genuinely lower success rate than most plants on this list, even for experienced growers. Take many cuttings to improve your odds.

Questions people ask

Can I root a cut rose from a bouquet? Yes, though success rates are even lower since bouquet stems are often past their prime.

Related

Soil & cutting methods hub · Similar plants: Hydrangea, Fuchsia