Roses have been a historically popular flower, all the way back through history. Kings and Queens grew entire gardens of them. Families used them as part of their family symbol. For a time, roses were a form of currency. Beautiful roses abounded, and many people tried to grow them. Many people still do.

Nowadays, there are several ways to obtain new rose bushes. Many gardeners buy a plant or two from the gardening supply store. However, some gardeners might like to try to grow their own roses. It is possible to try growing roses from seed as with any other flower, but it may be easier to try taking a cutting. Growing roses from cutting can also be more fun. Do this in early autumn, along with other fall gardening tasks.

A rooting hormone will be needed. If willow twigs are available, soak them in a bucket of water overnight. The water will become the rooting hormone. Otherwise, rooting hormone can be bought from a supply store.

Cuttings are simply a branch from a rose bush. If taking a cutting from a miniature rose, only one to two fingerlenths of a branch are needed. For regular roses, a one to two feet long healthy branch, cut off the bush just above a leaf junction, will work. Cut this piece into 6 – 8 pieces, the bottom of each piece being just above a leaf junction if possible. Dip the bottom ends of the cuttings into the rooting hormone and let the cuttings sit overnight. (Or, if using a commercial rooting hormone, follow the directions on the package).

Cuttings can be planted outside, in a space which has some sun but not the full heat of the sun, and with a slight misting of water from a spray bottle, left to grow.

Cuttings can also be prepared in small pots. Put a small amount of sand or small gravel in the bottom of each pot, and fill the pots with fresh soil. Bury each cutting bottom side down into the dirt, so that slightly less than an inch is above the soil. Mist each cutting with water and cover all the pots with plastic. Cuttings can be kept outside, out of direct sunlight.

With diligent care, cuttings will take root and begin to grow roses. It may be better for the first year to prune off any attempts at flowering, so the young plant can use all of its energy for growth. Some plants can take several years to become established.

Even if a gardener started with a grafted plant, because the root plant was not used, the new plants are own root plants. Plants which are sold as grafted plants are often sold as such because it is harder to grow the rose on its own, which means that any gardener might have difficulty growing rose cuttings from a grafted plant. It can be a process which takes several years.