Rose Rootstock & Grafting Basics — Why Grafted Roses Dominate

Rootstock selection is one of the most important decisions in rose cultivation. The right rootstock determines the vigor, disease resistance, and flowering performance of your roses.

Understanding Rootstocks

A rootstock is the root system onto which a rose variety is grafted. Most ornamental roses are not grown on their own roots but are grafted onto a vigor rootstock. This combination ensures the best characteristics of both the scion (upper variety) and the rootstock (root system).

Common Rootstock Types

'Rosa multiflora' One of the most popular rootstocks for garden roses. It provides excellent vigor and disease resistance, but can sucker vigorously.

'Dr. Huey' Preferred for climbing roses and some hybrid teas. Produces deep red flowers if it suckers.

'Fortuniana' Used mainly in warm climates. Excellent disease resistance in humid conditions.

'Baron de Bonstetten' A standard rootstock for hybrid teas. Good vigor and disease resistance.

'R. rugosa' Used for some shrub roses and groundcovers. Extremely hardy and disease-resistant.

Selecting the Right Rootstock

When purchasing roses, look for rootstock information on the label:

1. Consider your climate: Some rootstocks perform better in specific regions
2. Think about your soil: Different rootstocks have varying soil preferences
3. Plan your care level: Some rootstocks are more prone to suckering than others
4. Check disease resistance: Important for your local pest and disease pressures

Managing Rootstock Suckers

Suckers are shoots that grow from the rootstock below the graft union. They should be removed as soon as possible because they compete with the desired cultivar.

How to Remove Suckers 1. Trace the sucker to its point of origin on the rootstock 2. Make a clean cut as close to the base as possible 3. For persistent suckers, apply herbicide immediately to the cut surface 4. Never leave a stump that will re-sprout

Preventing Suckering - Plant the graft union 5 cm below soil level to discourage suckering - Avoid wounding the rootstock during cultivation - Remove suckers promptly when they first appear

Grafting Techniques (for Propagation)

If you want to create your own roses through grafting:

Budding (Most Common) 1. Select a bud from the desired rose variety 2. Make a T-shaped cut in the rootstock bark 3. Insert the bud under the bark flaps 4. Wrap with budding tape 5. After successful union, remove the tape

Whip Grafting 1. Cut both scion and rootstock at matching angles 2. Join the cambium layers together 3. Bind tightly with grafting tape 4. Apply grafting wax to prevent drying

Special Rootstocks for Different Purposes

Weeping Standard Roses Require a tall, sturdy rootstock like 'Rosa rugosa' or 'R. canina' to support the weeping growth.

Miniature Roses Some growers use dwarf rootstocks to keep plants very compact.

Exhibition Roses Premium rootstocks are chosen to maximize flower quality and size.

Health Considerations

Always buy roses from reputable nurseries that use disease-tested rootstocks. Certified disease-free rootstocks reduce the risk of: - Nematode damage - Virus infections - Fungal diseases

The quality of your rootstock directly impacts your long-term success with roses. Invest in healthy, certified plants from the beginning.