Ive searched for info on rose cuttings but just wondered if you take cuttings of rambling roses in the same way? Is the best time still to do them Aug/Sept and which is the best place to take cutting from, non flowering or flowering stem? Place cutting in pot with gravel and compost or straight into the ground? Can anyone help please?
I was lucky some years ago when I took 3 cuttings from Rambling Rector and the next week the tree is was growing up was destroyed all three rooted so we Had replacements. I took the cuttings end of July, about 12- 15 inches long, unflowered wood. I cut with a very sharp knife just below a bod ,removed the leaves from about nine inches. I made a spade nick in the ground filled that with really coarse sand, out the cuttings in and firmed.You may see new growth next spring but do not be tempted to lift them ,as there is enough sap in the cuttings to form growth before roots have formed. Leave then until the nest spring, I hope this helps you.
Just what I needed Laurie. Many thanks for replying.
I have done hardwood cuttings but am now trying semi-ripe cuttings. I take a nice cane, with buds which have just gone over at the end of it and cut the rose quite low down to where the lateral grows from the older wood - try to keep a heel of older wood as this is where the meristem is most active. Cut three 1inch slits in the cambium at the bottom of the cane (this is where the roots will come from) and trim the top, leaving a few leaves - usually about 9inches long. Put in a potting mix of half John Innes 1 and half perlite or vermiculite - you can dip in willow water or rooting hormone gel but not totally necessary. Place pot and cutting in either a large polythene bag or I use another plastic bottle over the pot as a sealed mini-propagator. Must be sealed. Place under a bush or in a cool, shady place. The leaves will yellow and drop off - not to worry. After about 4-6 weeks, roots will form and new leaves will appear - if you use a clear plastic pot or milkbottle, you can actually see the roots growing. Do this now and by the end of the season, you will have a little plant which can either overwinter in a bigger pot or you can plant out in October in a sheltered spot.
That sounds great Campanulla. Will definitely be giving that a go. I like the idea of the roots appearing quite quickly as I think that they will establish much better and overwinter better in our miserable Welsh winters ;) Thank you.