Own Root vs Grafted Roses: Which are Better?

The differences between own-root and grafted roses (often sold as bare root) may be below the surface, but they can impact the short-term and long-term performance of your shrub. In this video, I'll explain the propagation techniques used to produce these types of roses, and also discuss the benefits and faults of each.

This video is intended to replace my previous effort on the topic, which had some audio problems. See... learning as I go!

If you find these videos useful, there are a few little things you can do to help me out:

Photo credit:

[jimkocherful]

I've gardened with roses for years and had various results (ended up buying only rugosas after some losses). But now that I'm in the second year of landscaping my first house, I've taken a greater interest in them.

It started with some potted roses I bought for 90 percent off one November. They had to go through a polar vortex in the Midwest that occurred several weeks after planting, but that Summer the three of them filled my side garden with beautiful blooms ('Music Box' showed beautiful color changes from bud, to bloom, to withering away).

Anyway, after some frustrating web page searches for basic rose info, I decided to look for videos about bare vs grafted plants. And this video taught me so much, made it seem so simple. It's rare to find a YouTube video that can concisely and quickly deliver the facts you need in an easy to understand manner. This video had it in spades.

Also, thanks for not making me wait first through a subscription plea!

[winterliy-]

I am in total agreement with you on own root roses . I just got tired of suckers appearing on my grafted roses.

[FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Okay, so is it tacky to leave the first comment on your own video? There were a couple of things I didn't mention (I knew the video was running a bit long) but here goes: the variety 'Complicata' that I showed late in the video is a strong grower on its own roots, and roots from cuttings fairly easily - so I have no idea why the supplier would have grafted instead. Also, I should mention that when dealing with some garden roses that sucker heavily on their own roots (I'm thinking of 'Charles de MIlls', Gallica officinalis) it would be some advantage to graft them onto a less "suckery" rootstock.

[MarthinB]

Hey there! Just a quick comment to say thanks for your no nonsense, highly informative videos... Love watching them, and always look forward to the next one! Keep up the great work!

[LORGSW]

Thank you for your videos. I've been binge watching you. You are very knowledgeable and articulate, Jason. Very easy to follow, no dramatic presentation but not boring either. You have that true educator's trade!

[marygaloyan]

this was the most thorough and intelligent explanation of rose grafting issues. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out why my plant all of a sudden shoots a different variety leaves and flowers. Thank you!

[Alejandro_C]

Great explanation. Grafted roses are so tempting because as you said, instant gratification, but it’s not worth the downsides.

[Hannah-rlng]

I am not a gardener...but love learning all the knowledge from you.... thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge

[gailrees]

Wow thank you so much you learn something new everyday

[farmershonor]

I very much appreciate ALL of your teaching videos. I was introduced to roses as a small girl in my grandfather's garden. Rose Love!! You have enhanced my knowledge greatly. Thank you for all you are doing to educate! Some days... I binge your videos 😉 🌹 Bless you and your passion for everything roses.

[jeffminifield-ysqc]

I've grown Canadian roses for years when you plant them you have flowers that same season. When I sold my house 15 years later they all was still doing very well I should have dug them all up and took them with me to the new house since seller dug them all up .

[annashiegl]

Very interesting, I grow roses from my own cuttings, and was pondering this very question. Thank you ☺️

[terrywynn]

I always learn so much from you. Thanks for making these videos.

[stone]

i just discover your channel and i love it. I know that you came to hate retail, but you have to say, they gave you great qualities you would only get through the corporate vibe.

[renato]

Esses seus argumentos são preciosos, parabéns. Você conseguiu pensar fora do tradicional e ver o valor do natural. Comprei umas rosas e já estou enraizando uns cortes.
Muito obrigado, o seu trabalho é realmente diferenciado.

[prymravirachpon]

Thank you, I subscribed your channel because your content is really good, gives me a lot of the knowledge 👍

[janetang]

I tookk cuttings of a louis philippe rose this march and the plants that grew from it have done well and have grown with vigor

[floriana]

I love the roses. And I love your Channel. Thank you so much.

[tlc]

I'm just learning about this and the mystery about the red/yellow rose that just blossomed when I "could've sworn" I didn't buy this color, has been solved! You explained everything so wonderfully here and have been a big help. Thank you🌹. (And here I thought the store jipped me by selling the wrong rose...).

[thechaosgardener]

Thanks for the advice! I was wondering if its worth the trouble to graft.