Please help! Propagating grandpa's roses

9 years ago

My grandpa loved his roses, especially one angry little mess in the back corner of the garden. He always said his great aunts brought it over from Scotland. He passed away last year, and I've spent the last four months we owned the house trying to propagate this pokey disaster, with absolutely no luck. We just sold the house, but I think I have one last chance to get some more clippings, if anyone has any advice (some from my last attempt are still...sort of alive).

I've tried every tip on the internet. Rooting powder, putting them in a potato, plant food, liquid plant food, multiple types of dirt, jars and bags over the top, inside and outside; no luck. I got one to root once, but it died when I tried to move it to a larger container. I have a bit of a black thumb in general, honestly, and only a balcony to work with (north facing).

As far as I can tell from google, it's a rosa spinosissima double white, or something close to it. (There's a lovely pink floribunda too, not as important, but I can't get it to grow either)

Even better than tips (though I definitely won't turn those down), is there anyone who would consider just... taking the clippings and working their magic on them? I live in central Oklahoma City. I'm more than happy to share them, or pay for your time (and I really hope that isn't a rude question, I don't know gardening community etiquette I'm sorry).

It's not the prettiest bush, and it's been neglected for a few years now, so I fear the new owners will just tear it up, and I just hate to lose it forever.

Featured Answer

Macmex

9 years ago

Chelsea,

I wish I lived closer. I can tell you this: I have had success by cutting a rose (flower) from a bush, along with at least one leaf node, below the node where the flower was; and then clipping off the flower, sticking the stem down in sand, to the node where the flower had been, and covering the whole thing with a plastic bag. I have often gotten the cutting to root. You have to keep it in a place with fairly bright light, but no direct sun. And, it's important not to disturb it for several months.

If there is someone more experienced, who lives near you, I sure hope you can connect and they can help you get these cuttings. Is there a really good garden center near you? Perhaps you can ask them there, and they might know a horticulturist.

No, you haven't broken any etiquette! Thank you for dropping in!

George

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Comments (10)

Chelsea
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you, George!

I did try asking around at a couple of locally owned garden shops (and a chain or two), but no one had any better advice than I was finding online.

I will definitely give your method a try! You used something like average play sand?

I have some outside that get morning light, and some inside in a south facing window. They all just seem to go so crunchy so fast, no matter what water schedule I try. Maybe I'm just not patient enough haha.

Thanks again!
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hazelinok
9 years ago
I love SO much that you're trying to do this. I wish I had more knowledge of this sort of thing. I live in Norman, but barely.
Chelsea thanked hazelinok
Macmex
9 years ago
Yes, play sand will do. Put it in a plastic pot. A plastic coffee can with two holes drilled in the bottom would work perfectly. Fill it up to about 1 1/2" from the top. We the sand completely and let it drain till it stops dripping. Then cut your stems, if possible about 5-6" long. If you have rootone, then dip the ends in it and sink them till only about 2 inches are above the soil. Then, put a plastic bag over it. A bag, like what you use in the supermarket to put produce in, is perfect. Use something to tighten the bag around the pot, so it stays in place and moisture stays inside. Then place it in a bright place, but with no direct sun. Leave it. I'd only check for roots around the beginning of October. You should know if they have rooted because they will start growing. When you see new leaves, I'm guessing, but in about a week or two after that, you can remove the plastic bag. I have a hard time writing this out, since I usually depend on subtle things I see, to decide on when to remove the plastic sack.

If they have roots by October, I'd plant the cuttings in a nice, somewhat protected nursery site, somewhere you can keep an eye on them, where they won't get stepped on or mowed, and where you can water when needed. By spring, if they bud, you should be able to plant them in a permanent location.

I taught one of my daughters to do this. She got her jollys recovering a couple spent roses from the trash, at school, and turning one of them into a rose bush at home!
Chelsea thanked Macmex
jlhart76
9 years ago
I'm leaving Sun for a week, so if you can wait until after I get back I'd take a stab at it. Not sure if I qualify as "more experienced" but I'd be happy to try. I usually end up killing about 3/4 of what i try to grow, so I'd strongly advise not to depend on me to succeed.
Chelsea thanked jlhart76
Chelsea
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks hazelinok!

George, I will definitely try your method! How often do you water them? I think maybe I'm just not being patient enough... Should I try on some of the clippings I already have? Or just start over with fresh?

jlhart76, I will be happy to let you take a shot at it! Just let me know when you get back and we can work something out. Thank you!
jlhart76
9 years ago
Will do, but send me a pm next Sat if I don't reply. A week in the woods with 20 jr highs can make me forget my own name.
Macmex
9 years ago
Why not try both on some you have and on some new ones? Can't hurt.
Chelsea thanked Macmex
Macmex
9 years ago
Chelsea, take a look at this thread on mulberries. You might be able to do the same thing with a rose. I know, if you can find a suitable limb, that it will work.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2073668/look-like-blackberries-but-on-a-tree?n=22
Chelsea thanked Macmex
jlhart76
9 years ago
Out playing in the dirt today, I checked your roses & thought I'd see how your cuttings are doing. The ones from your grandpa's bush still have green leaves, but those others from the front yard aren't doing very well. It's still early though, so hopefully they'll hang on long enough to root.