How to Grow Japanese Rose from Cuttings?

The easiest way to propagate Japanese rose ( Kerria japonica) is by taking stem cuttings. Follow these steps for successful propagation:

When to Take Cuttings

The best time to take cuttings is in summer or fall. This is when the plant is actively growing or preparing for dormancy, which increases the chances of successful rooting.

Preparing the Cutting

1. Select a healthy stem: Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from the current year's growth.
2. Cut the stem: Using clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife, cut a 6-inch long piece of the stem.
3. Remove lower leaves: Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. This prevents them from rotting when placed in the soil and encourages root development.

Rooting the Cutting

1. Apply rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or liquid. This will stimulate root growth. Rooting hormone is not strictly necessary but significantly increases the success rate.
2. Prepare a pot: Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss.
3. Plant the cutting: Make a hole in the potting mix and insert the cut end of the stem, ensuring that the nodes (where the leaves were removed) are buried in the soil.
4. Water gently: Water the potting mix gently, ensuring it is moist but not waterlogged.
5. Create a humid environment: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity. This helps prevent the cutting from drying out before roots develop.
6. Provide indirect light: Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the cutting.

Caring for the Cutting

1. Maintain moisture: Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not soggy. Check the moisture level daily and water as needed.
2. Ventilate regularly: If using a plastic bag, open it for a few hours each day to allow for air circulation and prevent fungal growth.
3. Check for root development: After a few weeks (typically 4-8 weeks), gently tug on the cutting. If it resists, it has likely developed roots.
4. Transplant: Once the cutting has developed a good root system, transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden in a well-drained location.

By following these steps, you can successfully propagate Japanese rose from cuttings and enjoy more of this beautiful shrub in your garden.