Help rooting roses!

[Jeffershome]

Ok, I've tried and tried to root my Zephirine Drouhin. I've taken different kinds of cuttings, gently wounded the stem, used rooting hormone, damp potting soil, a ziplock baggie... etc.... They sit for a couple of weeks and then turn brown and die. Would gentle heat from the bottom help? They are under a flourescent light during the day, right now. Is darkness better??? Would love some experienced advice. How long should the cuttings be? Is there a certain time of year to take the cuttings?

Thanks so much!

Elizabeth

[zuzu's petals]

I don't actually have any personal experience with it, but I have read that ZD is one of the more stubborn varieties,
and that it roots best in Summer, so maybe that does mean that the extra bottom heat could help.

Just one other thought, have you tried pre-callusing the cuttings on the bush?
This can minimize the occurance of wilt and rot that sometimes occurs in the early stages of cutting propagation.

If you want to try this method, you will need to strip about 1/3 inch of bark all the way around each cane,
scratching against the wood to remove the cambium completely.
If you like, you can use rooting hormone at this time, just apply it to the fresh wound.
Next, wrap the wound with duct tape (or something similar) and leave it for a couple of weeks.

After 2-3 weeks, go ahead and take the cutting, making the cut about 1½ inches below the wound
(this extra stem length will help to stabilize the cutting when you pot it ).
Remove the tape, you should see generous callusing at the point of the wound.

From here, you can continue with your rooting process as usual.
The roots will grow from the callused area, not below, so be sure to pot the cutting accordingly.

Good luck Elizabeth, I hope you find a way to make it work.

[Jeffershome]

Wow, what great advice! Thank you so much! I'm going to try that after the weather warms up. I love the ZD rose, because of the lack of thorns. It's great to have around my little guys. No one gets stuck by a thorn. Thanks again!

Elizabeth

[zuzu's petals]

You are most welcome. I do hope it works for you.
I've never grown this one, does it have a lovely scent?

Actually, I don't have much success with roses where I live now,
the climate is VERY hot and humid in the summer, so black spot is a HUGE problem, and I don't like to use chemicals.
Also, I think the winters aren't usually cool enough for a long enough period here, either.
A couple of the roses that I did grow last year never quite lost all of their foliage this winter.
I used to really enjoy growing them when we lived in the mountains, near Asheville,
they grew so beautifully there.

[Jeffershome]

I like the ZD. It tolerates some shade, and gets huge. It does have a pleasant scent. Not overwhelming, but it makes me smile. It is very robust, and while it has had some blackspot, it by no means lost even close to all of its petals. (and I pretty much ignored it last year.) If it roots, I would love to send you one or two. I grew up in Kinston, NC, so I totally understand your climate. The humidity there is thick enough that you feel like you could slice it with a knife in the summertime. I remember. I know you're not into chemicals, and I'm not into sprays, but I started using the Bayer Rose and Flower product, and I love it. No sprays to inhale, but the rose is protected from the inside against all diseases/insects and fertilized as well.
Hope I didn't turn you off too much by suggesting a chemical, but that's really the only one I use right now, and I never use it anywhere NEAR a food plant.

Elizabeth

[Jeffershome]

I just looked at your gallery, Zuzuspetals, and I realize that you are a much more advanced gardener than I am. I tip my gardening hat to you! Beautiful pictures!! I know who to ask if I have questions!.

[zuzu's petals]

*heheh* Probably not a bit more advanced, Donna - honestly!
But that's the beauty of Plant Swap, with this many folks willing to share ideas and experience,
we can puzzle out most problems .... .... hopefully.

Heaven knows, I've assassinated countless plants in various common and creative ways.
My garden is no place for delicate plants only the strong and persistant survive.

I admire anyone who can do a great job with veggies on a large scale,
I've never had the space to try it . . . but I doubt I'd be much good at it.