Published: 29 October 2024

Filling a garden can be expensive. That’s why any cultivation methods that can give you free plants are so valuable. One of our favourite methods is taking cuttings, and autumn is a great time to do that. There are all kinds of plants that you take cuttings from at this time of year, from hydrangeas and cornus to clematis, honeysuckle, and jasmine. But one of our favourite plants to take cuttings from between now and the end of December is the rose. So, in this blog, we’re going to work through the basics of taking rose cuttings with you.

Everything You Need to Know About Taking Rose Cuttings

When should you take rose cuttings?

Roses have one of the longest cutting periods. So, as long as a rose is healthy, you can take cuttings anytime between May and December. Just make sure that your cuttings are coming from this year’s growth and not older stems.

What do you need to take rose cuttings?

Aside from a healthy rose to take the cuttings from, you’ll need four items before you can start to take your cuttings.

  • Clean, sharp, secateurs
  • Liquid or powder rooting hormone
  • Pots
  • Gritty compost

How to take rose cuttings

Identify your cutting material

Earlier in the year, rose cuttings can come from the very new, flexible growth. But in October to December, you’re going to be looking at semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings. So, that still means choosing stems that have grown this year, but understanding they will lack the flexibility of younger growth. Semi-hard and hardwood cuttings take longer to root, but can establish a strong root system through the winter months. The guiding principle is to select strong, healthy-looking cutting material.

Find a place to cut

For best results, you should take cuttings from between two buds or shoots. Cuttings should be around 25cm long. And be sure to cut slantways across the bottom, so you don’t confuse the planting end when it’s time to pot your cuttings up.

Prepare the stem for planting

Before planting, it’s good practice to remove all but one leaf from the top of the cutting. This one leaf is enough to feed the new growth without taking energy away from the roots.

Plant your cuttings

Fill your pots with gritty compost that will allow good drainage. Dip the base of each stem in rooting hormone, and insert into the compost. You will usually achieve better results if you place each stem around the side of the pot, leaving around 5cm between each. Make sure that each stem is fully anchored.

Protect your cuttings

Once your pot is full, mist your cuttings and cover the pot to create a humid environment. You can use a clear cloche, a cut-off plastic bottle, or a clear freezer bag to do this. Then place your pot on a bright, sunny windowsill or greenhouse. Water sparingly, as the need arises.

Wait

In most cases, rose cuttings will begin to root in 6-8 weeks. However, at this time of year, it can take considerably longer for cuttings to establish. When you can see the roots poking from the bottom of the pot, you know that they’re ready to pot on. This time next year, they should be ready to go out into the garden.

Taking cuttings is a great way to get free plants for your garden. The new plants will be true to the parent, so you know exactly what you are getting. And as a gardener, it doesn’t get more satisfying than watching a little twig develop into a fully blooming rose!

If you’re not working in your garden this weekend, why not head to Holker Hall Gardens to see what other jobs are gardeners are working on?