Turn a Rose into a Bush

Turning a rose into a bush is a great way to hold onto a moment. When I first heard about turning a cut rose into an actual bush, I thought about the length of time the flowers last after being cut. Shipping and packaging as well as the time spent on the shelf and in a vase on your table. All of this time disconnected from its source of nutrients, yet given the right environment, even weeks after being cut, a rose can still root itself and flourish into its own bush.

The resilience of turning a rose into a bush is seen often in other plants as well. Haskaps and Grape vines as well as other fruits can even be propagated by a simple cutting.

Turning a Rose into a Bush Process

****With a SHARP and CLEAN knife (or scissors)

1. From a single stem rose (or cutting), remove the flower and all the branches down the stalk. Removing the leaves allows the plant to focus on root production. Spraying with water provides the stalk a water source until proper roots are formed.

2. Trimming the bottom end slightly. A fresh cut will remove any dead material and allow your stalk the best opportunity for root growth.

3. Adding honey to each leaf node that will be under the soil. The spaces where leaves where removed will also have the ability to grow roots. Providing a food source like honey prevents disease and encourages root growth. Cinnamon is used often also in these steps.

4. Plant your stalk with a few nodes under soil and a couple above for new leaf growth. Backfill your soil and water well misting the stalk.

5. Add a dome around the stalk to reduce spraying requirements and to retain humidity. Exchanging the air every couple days.

6. Place in a bright window sill in summer time or under an indoor light.

***Warming Mats can help encourage root growth but can also increase evaporation rates. Keep moist until new growth starts.

***When rooting any type of cutting, whether it be a rose, grape, or another variety. High humidity and consistent moisture is necessary. However, Be careful not to waterlog your plants. Standing water causes many different problems in rooting your plants.

Seedling mats and indoor grow lights can help provide more control over the growing environment. Giving the cutting a better chance of rooting into a healthy plant. The links above are types I’ve used with much success.