How to Make a Cascading Rose Tree

Graft a varietal such as floribunda or grandiflora to a root stock varietal that is hardy and disease resistant. The best time to do this is in late fall when the plants are naturally hardening for dormancy.

Take your metal stake and drive it into the ground where you want to place the rose tree. Make certain that the stake is secure in the ground as it will be the primary support for the rose tree. Secure the newly grafted tree to the stake. Monitor the graft throughout the dormant period, making sure to keep the graft sealed and the plant supported.

Wrap the wire mesh around the rose tree stem so that the full measure of the primary cane height is covered. Secure the mesh, and then fill it with mulch. This provides the same winter protection for the rose tree that standard mulching around the roots provides rose bushes. Since the rose tree has increased exposure due to the bare height of the stem, it is essential that you use the mesh structure to hold the mulch over the stem for the duration of winter.

Remove the mesh in spring once the threat of frost is no longer imminent. Fertilize and water the rose tree just as you would your regular roses.

Prune the bush to remove any dead or dying growth, as well as those parts of the plant that may become diseased. The cascading effect is achieved by allowing the flowering branches to hang, but these can be pruned for shaping, thinning, and any other aesthetic purpose the gardener may have in mind.