admin | 
08 12th, 2009| 
Rose cuttings have been my bane. For years I have had an unblemished 100% failure rate. I’m sure I’ve probably made about all the mistakes possible during that time.
A good friend talked me into giving it just one more try. Lucy with the football and Charlie Brown (me) hoping that this time I’ll finally get it to work.
I had about 25 cuttings in my first batch. I lost all but 2 of them. Two rooted and I was absolutely thrilled. And then during the next 6 weeks or so, both of those died. (See previous post). Losing those two cuttings really hurt.
I then started a second batch. It was to be my final attempt. (Yeah, right). I started about 25 more and it looks like I’ll have 5 of those root. I know this is a low rate for many rose growers, but 20% after years of zero is amazing for me.
My discovery last night of the roots in those cuttings sent me shooting out to the garden to take more cuttings. I’ve now got about 25 more in my propagation box. I’m trying Adolf Horstmann again among others. If I end up with another 5 rooting I’ll be quite happy.
