How to Tell If A Rose Is Grafted or Not!

Roses are a timeless symbol of beauty and elegance, gracing gardens and landscapes around the world. However, not all roses are created equal; they come in two primary forms: own-root and grafted. Understanding the difference between these types can greatly influence your gardening success and rose care practices.

In this article, we will explore the essential techniques to identify whether a rose is grafted or grown on its own roots, empowering you to make informed decisions for your garden and ensure your roses thrive.

How to Tell If A Rose Is Grafted or Not

Before we jump into the topic, let’s know what grafted roses and own-root roses are. When we will know about these two types, it will be easier for us to differentiate and identify them.

Own-Root Roses

Own-root roses are grown from cuttings that develop their own root systems. Here are some key points about own-root roses:

• Propagation: These roses are propagated by taking cuttings from the parent plant, which are then rooted to develop into new plants.
• Characteristics: They are genetically identical to the parent plant since they are clones.
• Growth: Own-root roses often start smaller and may take longer to establish and grow compared to grafted roses. However, they tend to be hardier in the long run because there is no risk of the rootstock overpowering the grafted part of the plant.
• Maintenance: They do not produce suckers (unwanted shoots) from the rootstock because the root and top growth are the same plant.
• Resilience: Own-root roses can be more resilient to certain diseases and pests, especially those that affect the graft union in grafted roses.

Grafted-Root Roses

Grafted-root roses are created by attaching (grafting) a bud or shoot of the desired rose variety onto the rootstock of another rose. Here are the key points:

• Propagation: These roses are propagated by grafting, where a bud or a cutting of a desirable rose variety (scion) is attached to the root system of a different variety (rootstock).
• Characteristics: The rootstock is typically chosen for its vigor, disease resistance, and ability to thrive in various soil conditions.
• Growth: Grafted roses often grow faster and can be more robust initially due to the vigorous rootstock. They may bloom sooner than own-root roses.
• Maintenance: Grafted roses require attention to remove suckers that grow from the rootstock below the graft union. These suckers can outcompete the desired rose if not managed.
• Resilience: Grafted roses can sometimes be less resilient in the long term if the graft union is weak or susceptible to diseases and pests.

Comparison

• Establishment: Own-root roses take longer to establish but can be more stable over time. Grafted roses are established quickly but may require more maintenance.
• Hardiness: Own-root roses are generally considered hardier in cold climates because there is no graft union to be damaged by freezing temperatures. Grafted roses may suffer if the graft union is damaged.
• Propagation: Own-root roses can be more challenging to propagate and may be more expensive, while grafted roses can be produced more quickly and are often more widely available.

Signature Marks of Identifying Grafted Roses

Identifying grafted roses involves looking for certain key features that distinguish them from own-root roses. Here are the signature marks to look for:

1. Graft Union

• Location: The most distinctive feature of a grafted rose is the graft union, which is typically located just above the soil line.
• Appearance: The graft union appears as a swollen, knobby area on the stem where the rootstock and scion (the desired rose variety) are joined. This union may look like a scar or a bulge.

2. Suckers

• Origin: Suckers are shoots that emerge from the rootstock below the graft union. They can be identified because they often differ in appearance from the main plant.
• Characteristics: Suckers may have different leaf shapes, colors, or growth habits compared to the scion. These shoots are more vigorous and grow more rapidly than the desired rose variety.

3. Root System

• Exposed Roots: If you have the opportunity to examine the root system, grafted roses often have a different root type compared to their upper growth. The roots might be thicker and more robust due to the hardy rootstock.
• Age and Condition: Over time, the graft union can become more pronounced. In older plants, this area might show signs of wear or scarring.

4. Plant Growth and Structure

• Stem Characteristics: The stem above the graft union might look different in terms of bark texture and color compared to the rootstock below the union.
• Uniformity: Own-root roses tend to have a more uniform growth habit from top to bottom, whereas grafted roses might show a distinct difference in growth between the rootstock and the scion.

5. Nursery Tags and Labels

• Label Information: When purchasing a rose from a nursery, the label often specifies whether the rose is grafted. Look for terms like “grafted,” “budded,” or specific rootstock names (e.g., Dr. Huey, Rosa multiflora).

Visual Guide

Take a close look at this grafted rose stem:

Conclusion

Identifying whether a rose is grafted or own-root can significantly impact how you care for your plants. By looking for these signature marks, you can determine the type of rose you have and take appropriate measures to ensure its healthy growth and longevity.