How to Propagate Roses from Cuttings for Beautiful Blooms

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A guide to taking cuttings, plus planting and caring for them
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Are you interested in taking rose cuttings to grow a new crop of beautiful roses? It's the best way for home gardeners to propagate roses, and we'll explain exactly what to do to set your cuttings up for success. We spoke with the experts at Artemisia Nursery, a nursery and garden shop in Los Angeles, to find out the best way to grow roses from cuttings. Read on to learn everything you need to know about taking, preparing, and planting rose cuttings.

How to Grow Roses from Cuttings

Cut a healthy stem at a 45-degree angle just above a set of leaves. Remove all but the top two leaves. Dip the end of the cutting in water and then a rooting hormone. Place it in a container with a mixture of horticultural grit and sand and water regularly until roots grow.

Section 1 of 4:

Taking Rose Cuttings

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  1. When you take your rose cuttings, look for stems about the thickness of a standard pencil that are long, strong, and healthy. Roses can be grown from cuttings at any time of the year, but home gardeners are more likely to see successful propagation if they take cuttings during the cooler months of November to February. [1]
  2. Once you’ve selected healthy rose stems, cut them so they’re 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) long. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut at a 45-degree angle right above a set of leaves. [3]
    • Take your rose cuttings in the morning so that they’re hydrated.
    • Clean your tools well with rubbing alcohol before you use them.
    • Roses have compound leaves, meaning smaller leaflets will grow from the stem of the main leaf. Artemisia Nursery recommends cutting above where the actual leaf attaches to the branch, not above a leaflet. [4]
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  3. It’s very important for the rose cuttings to stay hydrated so they don’t dry out before you plant them. After you take the rose cuttings, put them in a cup of room-temperature water until you’re ready to transfer them. Ideally, you’ll be ready to put them into the soil right after you cut the stems. [5]
  4. Keep only the top leaves. Cut off the rest of the leaves and thorns on the stem using the pruning shears or sharp scissors. This makes wounds in the stem where roots can grow. [6]
    • Some gardeners prefer to remove all of the leaves. They believe it causes the cutting to put more energy into growing the root system instead of leaves. [7]
    • Wash your tools with rubbing alcohol when you're done.
  5. While this step is optional, most people who take rose cuttings use some type of rooting hormone powder to help the cuttings take root. Make sure the base of the rose cutting is damp before dipping it into the powder to help coat about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the bottom of the stem. Gently tap off any excess. [8]
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Section 2 of 4:

Planting Cuttings

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  1. Where you place your cuttings is especially important if you plan to grow them outdoors. Choose a sunny spot that’s not in direct sunlight — you don’t want your roses to dry out. Putting the cuttings in a pot or special container for rose cuttings is also fine. Just make sure the container is deep and wide enough for your rose cuttings to grow. [9]
    • If you have a sunny spot near a drain pipe or other water source, this is a great choice for ensuring the soil is always moist.
    • The container you’re using should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep. An 18 in (46 cm) planter is a good choice for most roses.
  2. For rose cuttings, use soil made of a mixture of sand and horticultural grit (or perlite) or a special plant propagation potting mix . Cultivate the soil to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep to ensure it can drain before planting the rose cuttings. [10]
    • Cultivating the soil requires using gardening tools , such as a mini spading fork or shovel, to break up the soil so it's loose.
    • You can purchase sand and horticultural grit from your local home improvement store or online. A bag of horticultural grit costs $5-$15, while a bag of gardening sand will typically cost less but entirely depends on the size.
  3. Make a hole 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) deep for each of your rose cuttings. Ensure the holes are wide enough that the edges won’t wipe off the rooting hormone powder when you push the stems into the soil. [11]
  4. This is about half the length of the cutting. “Make sure that you're getting at least 1 or 2 – optimally 2 – nodes that are going to be above ground…and at least 2 nodes that are going to be below ground,” advises Artemisia Nursery. This leaves nodes above ground for new leaves to sprout from, as well as nodes below ground, where roots can grow. [12] Once the cutting is in place, pat down the soil around the stem. [13]
    • For planting multiple cuttings, place them in rows 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart.
  5. Some people like to plant them during the cool months, while others wait until the early summer, but rose cuttings grow during any season. Many recommend planting in the spring or fall, depending on the climate where you live. [14]
    • Remember that newly transplanted roses need to be constantly watered. If you plant them during the summer or live in a hot climate, they may dry out faster without consistent watering. For this reason, the rainy season might be your best option for planting.
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Section 3 of 4:

Caring for Rose Cuttings

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  1. The best way to successfully grow rose cuttings is to prevent them from drying out. Water them several times a day if the weather is warm. Frequent watering helps the roots flourish and grow strong. [15]
    • To ensure moisture remains in the soil, place a plastic bag around the cutting once you’ve watered it. This creates a mini greenhouse for the roses.
    • When planting the cuttings in a pot, let them grow for an entire season before transplanting them into an outdoor flowerbed.
  2. After a week or two, test to see if the roots are growing by gently tugging the cuttings. You should be able to feel a slight resistance, meaning the roots are growing well and taking hold of the soil. [16]
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Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions about Rose Cuttings

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  1. While taking rose cuttings is the most effective type of propagation, new plants can also be grown from a seed, layering, or dividing. The species of rose and the preference of the gardener determine which type most people use. [17]
    • Growing roses from seeds is rarely done by home gardeners because it requires stratifying or exposing them to 40°F (4.44°C) temperatures for 3 to 4 months.
    • To layer roses, choose portions with long, flexible stems. Pin or bury a portion of one of the stems while still connected to the parent plant. Once new roots begin to grow, cut the stem from the parent plant. [18]
    • Some types of roses can be propagated through division. Dig down between a plant’s offshoot and the rest of the parent plant in early spring while the plants are still dormant. Sever the root of the offshoot from the parent plant and then transplant it to a new growing location right away. [19]
  2. Yes, it’s possible to take cuttings from a store-bought bouquet of roses. However, it’s a little trickier because they’re grown and handled as commercially cut flowers. Many commercially sold roses are originally grown in South America. This means they are used to warmer growing conditions and may be unable to adjust to different climates. [20] If you want to try taking cuttings from your next bouquet, use the following steps:
    • Select a rose with a stem that is still green and slightly flexible.
    • Make a cut at a 45-degree angle near the bottom of the stem below one of the leaf nodes.
    • Cut the top of the stem below the bloom, leaving about 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) for your cutting. Leave two leaf clusters if possible, but don’t worry if the leaves have already been stripped.
    • Proceed as you would with cuttings you take from your own rose bushes.
    • Place a jar or plastic bag over the cuttings to hold in humidity, which may help cut roses grown in greenhouses propagate successfully.
  3. No, it’s illegal to propagate any patented plants without the permission of the patent owner. This includes taking cuttings for your own use or to give to others. [21]
  4. Yes, it’s possible to grow rose cuttings in a potato. While some feel this is a myth or an unnecessary step, potatoes can help keep your rose cutting hydrated and may help increase your chances of creating a successful root system. [22]
    • Choose a potato that’s firm and healthy.
    • Use a drill or corkscrew to carve a hole slightly smaller than the end of your cutting.
    • Dip the end of your rose cutting in hormone powder and then fit it into the hole in the potato.
    • Plant the potato and cutting into the ground or a pot with at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of soil covering it.
    • Water regularly until roots begin to grow.
  5. Yes! Once you have taken your cutting, remove any leaves at the bottom of the stem so they won’t be underwater. Then place the cutting in water with a generous length – about 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) – submerged. Use a clear container so you can monitor the root growth. [23]
    • Place a clear bag over the cutting and container and seal it at the bottom to retain moisture.
    • Generally, roots begin to form in 2-4 weeks, but it can take a little longer depending on your cutting and the growing conditions.
    • Once the roots are a 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) long, transfer the cutting to a pot and plant in a potting mix.
    • Place the potted cutting in indirect sunlight and water it daily.
  6. Success rates can range wildly due to the experience of the gardener, the growing conditions, and the type of rose. However, when following the best practices for the rose variety and local climate, gardeners can reasonably expect a 50%-70% success rate. [24]
    • If you experience a lower success rate, experiment with different methods for preparing the cuttings, for example, try removing all the leaves if you typically take cuttings with two leaf clusters.
  7. This is a problem when an existing rose bush is removed and then replaced with another one. The new bush may fail to thrive or struggle to grow a good root system. Some believe it’s caused by fungal root diseases and nematodes that develop when the first bush is growing. [25] A few techniques gardeners use to help avoid replant disease are:
    • Swapping the soil with fresh soil from another part of your garden or a potting mix.
    • Lining the hole where the new rose bush is planted with cardboard.
    • Boosting growth with a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you grow roses from cuttings?
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Expert Answer
    After taking a cutting from a bush, dip the root in rooting powder. Place the cutting in a moist perlite potting soil mixture. Cover the cutting with plastic to contain the moisture.
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  • Question
    How do you take a cutting from a clematis?
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You select a leaf bud that is not too soft, but not too hard either. Typically, these can be mostly found in the mid-section of the plant.
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  • Question
    How do you take a cutting from a shrub?
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Cut a stem that's 6-12 inches in length. Remove all the flowers or fruit and trim the stem to just below the bottom leaf. Once this is done, cut off half the leaf.
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      Tips

      • Taking cuttings gives you a great opportunity to check your roses for signs of disease or pestilence. Cut off and discard any areas you find that are affected.
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      • Some gardeners believe that wounding the bottom of the cutting promotes root growth. Wound the stem by hitting the tip with a hammer or slicing a 1 inch (2.5 cm) strip off the top layer of the stem at the bottom of each cutting.
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      • Select a long stem with a new bloom or one that is just starting to fade or wilt.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/southerngarden/roseprop.html
      2. ↑ Artemisia Nursery. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop. Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.
      3. ↑ https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/propagating-roses-from-cuttings/
      4. ↑ Artemisia Nursery. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop. Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.
      5. ↑ https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/southerngarden/roseprop.html
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xw4d-s9N8zE?t=568
      7. ↑ https://www.marinrose.org/care/growing-roses-from-cuttings/
      8. ↑ https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/extpub/new-plants-from-cuttings-text-only/
      9. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_h/H165/
      1. ↑ https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_h/H165/
      2. ↑ https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/southerngarden/roseprop.html
      3. ↑ Artemisia Nursery. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop. Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.
      4. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plant-propagation-by-stem-cuttings-instructions-for-the-home-gardener
      5. ↑ https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/propagating-roses-from-cuttings/
      6. ↑ https://beaufort.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/01/how-do-i-propagate-roses-from-clippings/
      7. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plant-propagation-by-stem-cuttings-instructions-for-the-home-gardener
      8. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-propagate-roses
      9. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-propagate-roses
      10. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-propagate-roses
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/imc56lhxhGQ?t=152
      12. ↑ https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/patent-policy/international-convention-protection-new-varieties-plants-upov
      13. ↑ https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-grow-rose-clippings-in-potatoes
      14. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-root-rose-cuttings-in-water
      15. ↑ https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/southerngarden/roseprop.html
      16. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/replant-disease

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To take rose cuttings, look for healthy, strong stems that are at least 8 inches (20 cm) long and from this current season's growth. Using garden shears, clip the stems at a 45-degree angle just above the first set of leaves. Then, clip the buds off and remove the remaining leaves from each stem. Next, prepare a raised bed that’s roughly 6 inches (15 cm) tall in a sunny part of your garden. If you don't have access to a raised bed, you can also plant your cuttings in a pot that's at least 6 inches deep. Fill the bed or pot with a mixture of sand and horticultural grit, then use a spade or trowel to dig a narrow trench or hole that's roughly 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Pour a thin layer of sharp sand into the bottom of the trench and place the cuttings vertically inside so that 2/3 of each cutting is hidden in the soil. To help your cuttings take root, you can dip the end of the cuttings into a rooting hormone before planting them. Leave at least 6 inches (15 cm) between each cutting to give them plenty of room to grow. Finally, fill in and tamper down the soil around the cuttings and water the soil bed thoroughly. Water the cuttings every day or so to keep the soil moist until the cuttings take root and bud, which can take up to 1 year. For more advice from our Horticulturalist reviewer, including tips on how to grow strong roots, keep reading!

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