How to Start a New Rose Bush

Finished New Bush

Roses make any garden special. They can be expensive to purchase especially if you live in a cold climate and the roses don't make it through the winter. Starting new bushes takes longer than splitting a larger bush but is much gentler on the roots of the bush.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rose bush for cutting
• Rooting hormone
• Empty 2-liter soda bottle
• Potting soil
• Scissors
• Bright but not a sunny location

1. Prepare the recycled soda bottle by cutting it in half then cut three or four drain holes in the bottom of the bottle. Fill ¾ full with potting soil.

2. Cut a 3- or 4-inch piece of stem from a newly growing rose bush cane. The piece should have actively growing new leaves and the stem should be soft and pliable.

3. Cut off all but three leaves, then cut each leaf in half. Dip about ½ inch of the stem into the rooting hormone. Shake off excess. Gently place the cutting into the soil and water lightly.

4. Place the bottle in a protected, shady area with bright light, not sun. Set the upper half of the bottle back on top without the bottle cap.

5. In a few weeks there should be new growth from the crown or base of the plant. When the new rose bush is three months old it can be transplanted. The roses will still need to be protected from too much hot sun for the first year of growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the new rose bush daily to make sure the soil is still moist and the plant is not sitting in the hot sun.

• If the bottle has steam vapors on the inside, remove the cut top half and let the plant dry a little. The bush should not be too wet or too dry.

• Start the new bush in early spring to give the roots time to develop.

• Feed the new bush with leftover black coffee and tea for a gentle fertilizer.

• This method works well with all types of roses.

• Not every cutting grows into a new bush, so don't be discouraged.