I have White on White Rose of Sharon shrub baby sapling rooted, about 6 inch tall. I would like Fern Leaf Japenese Maple 2 of your's for 2 of mine.If you have them or for something on my shrub, tree list. Post here and Email me thank you.Picture, I think I have a close up of the flower on the shrub to email after the swap. thanks.Bon

Great topic! I think most of us have pondered this question over the years. Generally, I'm with Jeri on this one (maybe influenced by similar coastal climate limits!). But, I also think that Malcolm has it right - it is more effective to actually compare results from using the same rose on its own roots vs grafted. So, I think I would combine the two perspectives here. Not only comparing the same rose, but also including how different local climates can determine which method is more appropriate. So, for me, I have been struggling with trying to encourage some of the hardier teas to thrive better in my PNW coastal garden, where our hot summer days are limited. I remember reading a comment from Paul Barden a while ago about how he would like to try Gloire de Dijon, as a grafted plant, to see if that would add more vigor. I second that particular desire! I think this ties in with what Jeri was also saying. Maybe I should try to get a grafted version of Lady Hillingdon and compare its progress to the plant I have (own roots), which has been slow ( to say the least!). Hmmm. It would certainly save room in our greenhouse if it worked! Happy new year, especially for all those Ox people! Ian

I have an interesting clematis that does exceptionally well in full sun: It's Clematis texansis, Princess Diana. Here are two sites to describe it: http://www.waysidegardens.com/princess-diana-clematis/p/36290/ http://www.finegardening.com/princess-diana-clematis-clematis-princess-diana Are you interested? I am looking for aRosa foetida 'Austrian Copper', or Pat Austin...let me know. I could probably come up with a different one if you don't have these. CZ- send response to : twopinenuts2@gmail.com I don't know if this will automatically send me a response...

Marion, I do the following to root my roses: I like to take the cutting from a branch that has had a bloom that has just finished blooming. I cut it so that I will have 2 sections of leaves, then I cut the spent bloom off the top. I put the cutting immediately into water while I get more cuttings, prepare the soil, etc. I like to use few drops of a product called "Super Thrive" in the water I soak it in, and in the water for the dirt. I use miracle grow potting soil in a small container. I get it wet, but not so much that it will be sitting in a puddle. I make a hole in the dirt with a pencil. I take the rose out of the water, and make a few shallow cuts at the base, then I dip it in Schultz TakeRoot powdered rooting hormone, and stick it in the hole in the dirt. I put the little pot of dirt and rose into a zip lock bag (I like the 2 gallon ones) then I zip it most of the way up, and blow air into it to create a mini greenhouse. I put it in a window that does not get direct sun. In my case, a north facing window. I don't touch it for at least 2 weeks, then I lightly pull on the stem to see if it has rooted. If the stem turns black, it is dead. If it grows mold, it needs to be cleaned off immediately or thrown away so that it doesn't effect the other cuttings. If you are successful, in 2-4 weeks new leafs will start to grow. If you used clear cups for the dirt, you will start to see white roots in the soil. I adapted my method from this video I watched when I first started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiL83eUKWY8