How to propagate and root rose cuttings

Gardeners are a frugal bunch and most of us have developed a knack of getting our plants for free by collecting seeds, layering cuttings or by propagating cuttings.

I have always wanted to be able to propagate roses by cuttings but never really had a great deal of success. However, now I feel a little more inclined to have a go after stumbling on Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society page Propagating Roses by Rooted Cuttings.

The page is clearly set out with photographs and explanatory text on how to go through the different stages from selecting your six inch stem, wounding the bottom of the stem and dipping into rooting compound.

Gardeners will soon be picking up the message that taking cuttings and rooting them is not too difficult and the advice clears up one dilemma for me - Rose cuttings can be taken from new or old wood and it is possible to be as equally successful with both.

Further down the page there is information on the anatomy of a rose and growing roses from seed.

Do not forget the rose expert by Dr Hessayon.