Grafting is a fun and creative way to grow a rose bush with flowers of different colors on the same plant. This technique involves combining branches (scions) from different rose varieties onto a single rootstock, allowing the plant to bloom in multiple hues. Follow this step-by-step guide to graft your own multicolored rose bush!
What You’ll Need
- A healthy rose bush (rootstock)
- Scions (branches) from different colored rose bushes
- A sharp, clean grafting knife or garden blade
- Grafting tape or rubber bands
- Pruning shears
- A clean cloth and rubbing alcohol
- Rooting hormone (optional)
Step-by-Step Process
1. Choose the Right Time
The best time for grafting roses is late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant but temperatures are mild.
2. Prepare the Rootstock
- Select a strong, healthy rose bush as the rootstock.
- Prune it back to expose a sturdy stem where you’ll attach the grafts.
3. Collect Scions
- Cut 6–8-inch scions from the rose bushes with the colors you want.
- Ensure the scions have at least 2–3 healthy buds.
4. Make the Graft Cut
- Use your grafting knife to make a “T-shaped” cut on the rootstock stem.
- Start with a vertical cut (1 inch) and then make a horizontal cut across the top of the vertical slit.
- Gently peel back the bark to create a pocket for the scion.
5. Prepare the Scion
- Cut the base of the scion into a wedge shape to fit snugly into the “T” cut on the rootstock.
6. Attach the Scion
- Insert the wedge-shaped end of the scion into the slit on the rootstock.
- Ensure that the inner layers (cambium) of the scion and rootstock align for better growth.
7. Secure the Graft
- Wrap grafting tape or a rubber band tightly around the graft site to hold the scion in place and protect it from drying out.
8. Protect the Graft
- Cover the graft site with a plastic bag or grafting wax to prevent moisture loss and exposure to pests.
9. Wait and Monitor
- Keep the plant in a shaded, protected area and water it regularly.
- After 4–6 weeks, check for signs of new growth on the scion. This indicates a successful graft.
10. Remove the Tape
- Once the scion has fused with the rootstock and new growth is evident, gently remove the grafting tape.
Tips for Success
- Use sharp, sterilized tools to prevent infections.
- Choose scions from healthy rose bushes for the best results.
- Avoid grafting during extreme heat or cold.
With a little patience and care, you’ll have a stunning rose bush with flowers of multiple colors, perfect for adding a unique, vibrant touch to your garden!