Roses are a large family of
deciduous and evergreen small trees, shrubs and groundcovers. They are the
most-popular, the most-recognized and the most-grown flower across the world,
according to “Complete Roses.” There are almost infinite varieties of roses in
all forms, sizes and flower colors, and modern hybrids are also being
continually introduced.
Although the flowers have a
reputation for being finicky, they are not hard to manage and grow, given the
right cultural conditions. You can also propagate your own rose bushes by
planting cut rose branches or cuttings.
Instructions
1. Prepare a small pot for
planting your cuttings by filling with well-draining potting soil. Pour about
an inch of the rooting hormone in a plastic cup.
2. Cut 6- to 8-inch-long
sections of recently bloomed branches, using a sharp scissors. Measure from the
stem tips, and make the lower cut at a 45-degree angle.
3.
Remove all spent flowers down to healthy leaves on the cutting. Remove all
leaves from the lower half of the stem. Although you can take cuttings at any
time of the year, the recommended time is between November and February.
4.
Insert a pencil at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches in the rooting medium to
create planting holes for the cuttings. Dip the base of each cutting in the
rooting hormone. Plant immediately in individual planting holes, inserting each
cutting to half its length.
5. Firm the soil around the
cuttings. Water well. Place the pot in a large, clear plastic bag. Insert a
chopstick in the soil to help keep the bag up. Close the top with a rubber band
to create a greenhouse effect.
6. Place in a bright, warm spot
but out of direct sunlight. Open the bag every three to four days and water
enough to keep the soil moist. It will take a couple of months for the cuttings
to root.
7. Grow the plants in the pot
through the first summer, as this is important for developing a strong root
system. Transplant to a permanent spot in the garden in late fall or winter.
