Fanatic,

Usually folks come to this forum to find a source for a particular heirloom plant, not for cultivation or propagation.

And perhaaps someone will give you detailed information on propagation.

But if it were me I think I'd go to the Rose Forum here at GW; there are several sub divisions of the main rose forum so look to see which one would be best for your question, b/c the content of each one is described at the main link to Rose Forum.

Just a friendly suggestion so you can interact with rose experts.

Carolyn

Hi, fanatic -

Caroline's right - The Rose Propagation & Exchange forum has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that should provide you with the info you need to root either cuttings or suckers of your rosebush.

You don't give any details on your "old-fashioned" rosebush; I for one would love to know what the flowers look and smell like. If they are small, single, white blossoms and the plant only blooms once a year, it may be Rosa multiflora. You really don't want to propagate R. multiflora as it is an invasive weed that also is a known vector for Rose Rosette disease, a very serious disease that spreads quickly to cultivated roses.

However, if it isn't R. multiflora ... there are a bunch of us on the Antique Rose and Rose ID forums who are interested in "mystery" roses - we propagate and try to identify them.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions about your rose - I collect antique roses and might be able to help you out.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rose Propagation FAQ Page

You may want to put holly bushes and blackberry bushes in as well. both apparenlty can be thorny. my mom attest to hollies being thorny. apparenlty she managed to miss the big bad thorny rose bush and missed her footing and fell into a holly when she was a teenager. Left a bit of a impression. so much she is thinking of putting one near the area where one of the young men like to sneak through her garden.

and you may want to put a sign out to protect yourself from ambulance chasers.