How to Get Roots Off of a Rose Bush

The traditional flower of love, friendship and timelessness, the rose is so iconic that it was even used by Shakespeare as an example of understanding and peace in one of his most famous plays, "Romeo and Juliet." When you want to share the beauty of your rose bush by propagating it---either in your own garden or as a gift for a neighbor--you can get roots off of a piece of the bush by carefully taking clippings and rooting them in a new area.

Things You'll Need

Pruning shears
Rooting hormone

Planting pot
Potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Grasp a 4- to 6-inch-long stem of your rose bush that has bloomed in the past. You can take these cuttings at any time of year, but it is often best to do so in winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant. The stem must be at least the diameter of a pencil.
- 2
  Cut the stem from the rose bush using sharp, clean pruning shears. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle for better rooting.
- 3
  Pick off all of the leaves from your stem. Dip the angled cut end into rooting hormone powder up to about 1 inch deep. Shake off the excess powder.
- 4
  Fill a 6-inch (or larger) planting pot with quick-draining potting soil. Insert the base of the cutting 2 to 3 inches deep (about halfway up the stem).
- 5
  Water the soil mixture thoroughly, until excess water runs from the drainage holes in your planting pot. Keep the mixture thoroughly moist, and store the planting pot in filtered sunlight at room temperature. The cutting will form roots within six to eight weeks.

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