Texas Rose Rustling

17 years ago

Well, today I became a Texas rose rustler. My dad told me about this rose bush that has been growing in a cemetary in East Texas that was planted on the grave of his neighbor's great-great grandmother who was a Native American. There is no headstone - just the rose that marks her grave. I was fascinated by this and figured if it had been there that long, that I could take some cuttings and hopefully it would grow and I could plant it in my garden.

Today we drove out there and I took 5 cuttings and also pruned back any dead canes to invigorate the plant. I dipped the canes into a powder root stimulator, used a pen to make a hole in the potting soil that I had pre-moistened, stuck them in and firmed the soil around the base. I made sure there were nodes below the soil and each cutting I took was between 7-9 inches long and I buried them halfway. When we got back to my dad's house, I watered the soil thoroughly. When I get them home, I will keep them on the north side of my house until they take root and make sure I give them plenty of TLC.

Okay, now here is my question. Did I do this right and can you give me anymore advice to ensure these cuttings will take root and grow? I know I shouldn't let the soil dry out. What else do I need to do? I thought of posting this at the old garden rose forum, but know many of you here in Texas Gardening grow many varieties of roses and have lots of experience in this area. Thanks for your help.

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denisew
Original Author

17 years ago

I just wanted to let you know that I am seeing new growth starting on my rose cuttings! This is a good thing!

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Comments (14)

jolanaweb
17 years ago
I haven't done this in decades but I always put a quart Mason jar over them. That's the way my GM and GF did it, so I did.
Good luck with your cuttings and bless your heart for pruning the rose marking that woman's grave.
jolana
natvtxn
17 years ago
The jar works as a mini greenhouse. You want it to stay moist, but if a LOT of condensation collects, put a small stick under one side.
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gnabonnand
17 years ago
jolana's advice about the mason jar over the cutting is a good one. When I am trying to root a cutting, I put it in a one gallon plastic nursery container that is filled with unfertilized potting mix and pull a freezer baggie over the top of the container. I keep it in a shady place and pull the baggie off each day, water it, and put it back on. Best of luck to you. I really hope that rose makes it for you!

Randy
little_dani
17 years ago
If you can set them in the drip line of your roof, you will not have to water them. The condensation will roll off the roof every night, and they will never dry out.

Good Luck,

Janie
carrie751
17 years ago
Denise, I have a rose that came from the countryside where I grew up. It was by a log cabin that was moved to the square of my little home town, and both were well over 125 years old. The rose roots easily, and blooms from early spring 'til late fall or early winter. I am so proud of it, and one day may learn the name of it.
txgarden57
17 years ago
I've done this when I lived in arkansas. The only thing I did differently is to make a hole with a broom handle and fill it with childens play sand then place the cutting in the sand, the rest of the pot had potting soil. Don't know if it makes that much of a difference. I do know the cuttings did great and were doing fine until we moved.
jolanaweb
17 years ago
Carrie, did they move the rose with the cabin or did someone get it?
denisew
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, all. I am going to try using some large plastic storage bags over the top of the container since the Mason jars I have are too short. I also thought of using clear empty 2-liter soda bottles with the bottom cut off, but we rarely drink soda around here, so I'll stick with the plastic bags. They have been in the pot for 3 days now and the leaves look fine, so I am hoping for the best.
jolanaweb
17 years ago
OOh, I can't wait to see pics. Good luck with them.
jolana
lindseyrose
17 years ago
I'm excited to see too! please keep us updated...
carrie751
17 years ago
Jolana, I am uncertain, but I think the rose was moved with the cabin. That is how my niece got her start. I will share cutting with you if you like.
jolanaweb
17 years ago
If it's still there, maybe I could get a start during homecoming, possible or would they arrest me, lol
Just kidding
Do you have some started? Don't start any on my account, I have my hands full now, but thank you for the offer
jolana
carrie751
17 years ago
This one would look good by the fence where you put the pink climbing fairy rose. It is not a climber, but it does get very large. It is red and blooms and blooms.