How to take rose cuttings

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Q: I have an absolutely gorgeous rose called “Summer Wine” that cascades over a bank. This rose has beautiful scented flowers and I would like to take cuttings; please tell me how!

Also what pink flowering dogwood do you recommend for our coastal climate?

Propagating Roses
Your rose, ‘Summer Wine’ is a great repeat blooming variety which is easily propagated.

Cuttings must be taken from young stems. I would suggest that you allow the stem with blossoms to finish blooming and then begin the process, which will probably be in June. Take a four to six inch cutting ensuring 2 to 4 leaves on that stem. Make the cut on a 45-degree angle just below and away from a node.

It is not necessary to use a rooting hormone however it will speed up and enhance root growth.
Your next step is to insert the cutting into a 4-inch pot filled with 50% sand and 50% peat moss. Press it firmly into the medium filled pot.

You must continually keep the soil moist but not sopping wet. It’s also important to increase the humidity around the stems and leaves. Either covering the pots with a thin plastic or by inverting a large mayonnaise jar over the planted cutting. Regular misting also improves the success rate.

Now you need to find that perfect spot to keep the potted cutting until they’ve adequately rooted. The easiest description would be bright shade. You don’t want them in any amount of direct sun if possible until they’ve thoroughly rooted and have the ability to prevent dehydration.

You should find roots developing within 2 to 4 weeks.

Finally, only consider feeding the rose plants with an organic fertilizer after at least one set of new leaves has developed.

With regards to the pink flowering dogwood, I would recommend ‘Cherokee Chief’.