How Long Does It Take for a Grafted Rose to Grow?

About Rose Grafting

• Rose varieties, particularly hybrids, have weak or tender root systems that will not survive the cold winters of USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. By taking the top portion of a rose that produces the colorful bloom, and grafting or attaching it to a cold hardy rose root system, a gardener can grow a particular rose variety year after year as a perennial. The graft is done close to the root ball and should be planted 3 to 4 inches below the soil surface, after the graft has healed. Common rose root systems for grafting are R. multiflora, "Dr. Huey" and "Fortuniana."

Growth

• A commercially grafted rose bush planted at the beginning of the growing season will begin to leaf out within 2 to 3 weeks. Because the grafted rootstock is stronger than the roots of "own root" roses (roses that grow on their own roots and are not grafted to other roots), grafted roses establish faster and grow vigorously. If you are doing the rose grafting yourself, after you have successfully performed the graft, your grafted rose roots will begin to grow within 3 days because the roots are already mature. This makes it easier for feeder roots to develop and begin feeding the plant. Within 6 to 8 weeks, in warm weather, the graft will heal and new growth will appear above the graft.

Overwinter

• Even with the stronger, hardier rootstock of a grafted rose, cold winters can harm and possibly kill the graft rose section if not properly protected. If winter freezing has killed the rose above the graft, when spring returns your rose will send out new shoots, but they will be from the rootstock, not the grafted rose. Protect your grafted rose over the winter by piling mulch around and over the rose. Place a cage made of chicken wire around the rose, then fill the cage with mulch, like dried leaves or straw. Do this in late November and not sooner, so the rose has an opportunity to develop winter hardiness naturally.

Problems

• The grafted rootstock is a separate rose bush, developing shoots below the graft and also may send shoots up from the roots. These shoots must be removed from the rose bush as soon as you notice them. Leaving shoots from the rootstock to grow will take away plant energy from the grafted portion. When possible, discover what rose variety was used for the rootstock. This knowledge will help you determine, after a hard winter, if the graft has died and your growing rose bush actually is only the rootstock rose.