How does one take a cutting from an existing rose bush to grow for transplant?
Although cuttings is one way to start a new rose bush, I find that layering is easier and has a higher success rate. If you have long term access to the parent plant, I would attempt layering even if you try some cuttings also. A branch that I layer in spring will usually have established itself by the following spring, and have good roots developed. To do this, simply bend down a branch so it will lay on the soil. On the bottom of this branch close to the tip, find a joint where the leaves or another smaller stem attaches to the main branch. Scrape this area lightly with your fingernail, just breaking the surface a little here and there over this joint. Move away some soil, place the scraped area on the ground, and cover it with the soil you had moved away. Lay a stone or other weight on the covered joint and wait till the following spring. When you see new growth from the end of the layered branch, cut from the original branch near where you covered it with soil. Leave for a while to
