I have an Always and Forever Hybrid Tea Rose planted in the garden. I noticed that a 6 1/2 inch long rose cane was partly cut through so used my pruning shears to cut it off. My Question is can I start it rooting by just making slits on the stem, using the root hormone on the end and put it in a soil filled container or do I have to go with the traditional way of doing it by cutting it in sections?

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Karen-The best way to propagate the hybrid tea rose by cuttings is to cut the stems up into smaller 4 inch cuttings with a couple of leaf nodes on each cutting. If your cutting has been kept moist it can be cut to use when trying to root a new plant. Most roses that are purchase commercially have been grafted onto a selected prepared root stock. Propagating by cuttings will produce a plant growing on its own root system. From what I understand propagating Hybrid tea roses from cuttings can be more challenging than other roses to root but nonetheless can be quite successful. It takes a long time period to root these roses which is one reason they are not found commercially on their own roots. It will usually take approximately 3 years for the new plant to become established.

In late summer or early autumn, select a healthy cane one to two feet in length and cut it off just above an outward facing bud. In your case you can try and root the cutting you have now if it has been kept moist. Remove all leaves and side twigs. Cut the cane into 4 to 6 inch lengths with the bottom of each cutting as close to a leaf node as possible. Dip the ends of the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder that can easily be purchase at your local nursery or garden center. Plant each cutting in a separate small pot filled with good quality potting soil which in my opinion can only be found at your local quality nursery, not the box stores. Make sure that at least 2/3 of the cutting is under the soil. Water the soil and mist the cutting to keep it from drying out. Place a plastic bag over the pot and secure with tape or a rubber band. Place the pot outside in an area that is shaded but well lit. You want to keep the cuttings out of any direct light or heart from the sun. Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pots for good drainage. Check the pot occationally making sure the soil and cutting is kept moist but never too wet or dry. When rooting cuttings of any kind I like to use clear plastic baggies with the bottoms cut out to attach around the pots. These are easily opened at the top when you need to check and mist the soil and cutting. leaving the top a little open for a couple of hours every couple of days helps to circulate air around the cuttings. Once a couple sets of leaves have developed the bags can be removed still keeping the new plants protected from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. If all goes well your new plants should have produced enough roots by the following year at the same time to move to the garden or larger pots.

Hopefully this has helped. Please ask if you have any other questions.

John)