Wondering how to take a rose cutting? Here's our guide...

How to take a rose cutting

Cuttings can be taken from any type of rose bush, as long as they are strong, healthy and from this season's growth. The best time to take a cutting is in spring or early summer. Some things to remember before you begin include:

  • Choose stems that are long and healthy.
  • Always wears gardening gloves and get your hands on some well-made secateurs.
  • You will need a bucket of water to keep the cuttings fresh in between cutting and planting.

How to grow roses from cuttings

It's fairly simple to grow and propagate roses from cuttings, but don't worry if it fails the first time – learning is part of the process.

1. To plant them in a garden, first choose a sunny spot – you want the area to have bright, direct light. You can also plant them indoors or on a balcony, too.

2. Next, find the rose stem you want and cut it at a 45-degree angle. Try to ensure your cuttings are around 25cm long. Leave one leaf at the top, but remove the leaves further down the stem. You can also soak the root in a rooting hormone, although this isn't necessary. Place the roots in a bucket of shallow water whilst you are preparing the soil.

woman tending to rose bushpinterest
Takamitsu GALALA Kato//Getty Images

3. Once you have taken the cutting, it's time to prepare the soil in your pot or container. Place the root into at least six inches of soil. Gently place soil around the root so that it cannot fall over.

4. Water the soil well so that it remains moist.

5. Keep an eye on the rose cutting over the coming days. As soon as the roots have begun to form, you can move your cutting into a larger space outside, if you choose to plant it indoors.

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.