Why Our Own-Root Roses Are Different
Why Our Own-Root Roses Are Different from Grafted Roses: A Guide for Rose Lovers
When it comes to buying roses, gardeners are often faced with a decision: should they choose own-root roses or grafted roses? At Kate Roses, we proudly offer own-root roses in 2-quart pots, and while the size of the pot may seem small, the maturity and strength of our roses far exceed the container they come in. But what exactly makes own-root roses different from grafted ones, and why should you consider them for your garden?
What Are Own-Root Roses?
Own-root roses are grown from cuttings taken directly from a mother plant, meaning the rose is on its own roots rather than being grafted onto a different rootstock. These roses develop naturally, with no need for a foreign rootstock to support them. The plant you receive is the same plant top to bottom, ensuring you get the exact variety and growth characteristics you expect.
Benefits of Own-Root Roses Over Grafted Roses
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Consistency of Growth
One of the key benefits of own-root roses is their consistency. Because the entire plant, from roots to flowers, is the same variety, you don’t have to worry about the rootstock outgrowing the grafted portion. With grafted roses, it's common for the rootstock to send up suckers or shoots, which can overtake the grafted rose and change the appearance of your plant. Own-root roses don’t have this problem, ensuring your rose remains true to its variety throughout its life. -
Stronger and More Resilient Over Time
While grafted roses can offer early vigor because of the strong rootstock, own-root roses develop their strength over time. They may take a little longer to establish in the garden, but once they do, they tend to be more resilient, especially when faced with diseases or pests. Own-root roses are less likely to suffer from diseases like root rot or collar rot, which can sometimes affect grafted roses where the rootstock and grafted top meet. -
Cold Hardiness
Own-root roses are generally more cold-hardy than grafted roses. In colder climates, grafted roses often experience damage at the graft union, where the top of the plant meets the rootstock. If the graft union is damaged by frost, the rose may not survive, or the rootstock could take over, resulting in a different rose variety. Own-root roses don’t have this vulnerable graft union, making them better suited for cold regions. -
Longevity
Own-root roses can live longer than grafted roses. Because they are grown on their own root systems, they are more stable in the long term. With proper care, an own-root rose can flourish for decades, while grafted roses may need to be replaced sooner due to issues with the graft or the rootstock taking over. -
Natural Growth Habit
Own-root roses tend to grow in a more natural, bushy shape because they don’t have the influence of the rootstock controlling their growth habit. Grafted roses may exhibit an uneven or forced growth pattern because the rootstock may be more vigorous than the top portion. With own-root roses, you get the full, natural growth of the rose variety as it was meant to be. -
No Need to Worry About Suckers
One of the common maintenance tasks for grafted roses is removing "suckers," or shoots that emerge from the rootstock and compete with the grafted portion of the rose. These suckers can sap energy from the main plant and often produce undesirable foliage or blooms. Own-root roses do not produce these suckers, which means less maintenance for you.
What to Expect from Our Own-Root Roses
When you receive one of our own-root roses, it will come in a 2-quart pot, like the one pictured below. While the pot size is small, the rose is mature and well-established, often with 12-17 inches of height and multiple branches. These roses are between one to three years old and ready to thrive once transplanted into your garden.
Transplanting Your Own-Root Roses
To ensure your rose thrives, we recommend transplanting it into your garden or a larger container within one month of arrival. This gives the roots the space they need to expand and access more moisture and nutrients. By transplanting promptly, you are setting your rose up for success in its new home.