Rose plants can be grown by both methods: on their own roots or by grafting.
Understanding Rose Propagation Methods
Roses, beloved for their beauty and fragrance, are propagated in several ways. The two primary methods involve growing them on their own root system or grafting them onto a different rootstock. Each method has distinct characteristics and advantages.
Own Root Roses
Roses grown on their own roots are typically propagated from cuttings, layering, or tissue culture. This means the entire plant, including the roots, comes from a single variety.
- Method: Usually propagated from cuttings taken from a mature rose plant.
- Characteristics: The plant grows directly from its own root system. If the top of the plant is damaged (e.g., by frost), it will grow back true to type from the roots.
Grafted Roses
Grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. For roses, this involves joining a desired rose variety (the scion) onto the root system of another plant (the rootstock).
- Method: A bud or piece of the desired rose variety (scion) is attached to the rootstock, which is typically a hardy, vigorous root system.
- Purpose: Often done to combine the desirable traits of the scion (like flower quality or color) with the desirable traits of the rootstock (like disease resistance, vigor, or tolerance to specific soil conditions).
Why Grafting is Economical for Producers
From the perspective of large rose producers, grafting offers significant economic advantages, as highlighted by industry practices:
- Faster Growth to Market Size: Grafted roses reach a salable size much quicker. As per a large rose producer's standpoint, "a grafted rose is far more economical to produce than one on its own roots."
- Reduced Production Time: "Roses reach market size in half the time" when grafted compared to those on their own roots.
- Efficient Packaging and Shipping: Bare-root grafted plants, common in commercial sales, require less space. "Bareroot packaging takes up less space, and shipping costs are minimal by comparison to shipping large plants of equal size housed in a pot."
Here's a quick look at the producer's perspective:
| Aspect | Own Root Roses | Grafted Roses | Producer's Viewpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Market | Longer | Shorter | Reach market size in half the time |
| Root System | Original variety's roots | Selected rootstock | Utilizes vigorous, reliable rootstocks |
| Packaging | Often sold in pots when larger | Frequently sold bare-root | Bareroot packaging takes up less space |
| Shipping | Higher costs for potted plants | Minimal costs for bare-root plants | Shipping costs are minimal by comparison |
| Economy | Less economical for large-scale production | Far more economical to produce | Preferred method for commercial volume and efficiency |
While both methods are used, grafting is a widespread technique in commercial rose production primarily due to its speed, efficiency, and economic benefits. Many popular rose varieties sold today, especially hybrid teas and floribundas, are grafted. However, many shrub roses, groundcover roses, and some older varieties are commonly grown on their own roots.
