Own root roses have become increasingly popular among home gardeners and rose enthusiasts in recent years Unlike most commercially sold roses that are grafted onto rootstock, own root roses are grown directly from cuttings This gives them a few key advantages that make them an excellent choice when shopping for roses to plant in your garden. In this article, we’ll explore what exactly own root roses are, their benefits, and where you can find quality own root roses for sale.
What Are Own Root Roses?
Most commercially produced roses are grafted – meaning the desired rose variety is fused onto the root system of another type of rose, This is done to try and get the best qualities of both – the bloom and growth habits of the top rose variety with the disease resistance and vigorous roots of the understock,
Own root roses skip this grafting process completely. They are grown directly from cuttings, so the entire plant – roots and stems – are genetically identical. The roots are the same rose variety as the bush and blooms above ground.
Top 5 Benefits of Own Root Roses
1. Increased Vigor and Growth
Because own root roses aren’t diverting energy trying to heal and fuse a graft union, they are often more vigorous, healthier plants. Their root systems tend to be more robust leading to faster establishment and better ability to withstand environmental stresses.
Many own root roses exhibit more basal breaks, meaning more branches shoot up from the base. This creates a fuller, bushier plant over time.
2. Longer Lifespan
Grafted roses are vulnerable at the graft union, especially in very cold winters. If that graft freezes and dies, the entire plant is lost. Own root roses have no vulnerable graft, so they tend to have better winter hardiness and longevity. A grafted rose’s lifespan is typically 5-10 years, while own root roses can thrive for 20+ years.
3. Truer Representation of the Variety
With grafted roses, the understock roots can sometimes send up shoots or “suckers” that are genetically different than the intended rose variety. Own root roses remove this issue entirely – the entire plant is identical genetically so there’s no chance of strange shoots.
4. Better Flower Production
Because own root roses put more energy directly into blooms rather than into the graft union, they often have better flower production than grafted roses. The blooms may also be slightly larger and have better color on own root rose bushes.
5. Adaptability to Specific Sites
If growing conditions change, own root rose bushes can adapt better because their roots are designed for that exact plant. They often have an easier time thriving in different soil types or environmental conditions than grafted roses.
Where to Find Quality Own Root Roses for Sale
Many big box stores and supermarkets tend to sell grafted roses, so you’ll want to check specialist rose nurseries and online shops to find the best selection of own root roses. Here are some top sources to consider:
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High Country Roses: A family-owned nursery focused exclusively on own root roses. They offer over 550 varieties including English roses, climbers, old garden roses, and more. Plants are grown organically in their USDA certified nursery.
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Edmunds Roses: A specialty rose nursery with over 40 years experience. They have an extensive collection of own root roses like hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, and miniatures. You can shop by color or rose type.
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Cornell Farms: A grower offering own root selections of modern shrub roses, climbers, hybrid teas, floribundas, and David Austin English roses. They highlight zone appropriate choices.
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Heirloom Roses: A breeder and grower of own root roses for over 60 years. They have a diverse selection of own root climbers, shrubs, teas, and heirloom varieties grown in California.
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Rogers Roses: Specializes in growing roses on their own roots. They offer a wide array of own root rose types including English roses, hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, miniatures, and more.
The Takeaway on Own Root Roses
For rose gardeners interested in plants with vigor, longevity, and truer flower production, own root roses are likely the best choice. Taking the time to source out quality own root rose bushes from specialty growers can give your garden roses with better health, hardiness, and flower power over the long haul. With minimal winter protection and proper care, own root roses have the potential to thrive for decades in your landscape.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
Every rose Ive ordered from Heirloom Roses has been doing fantastic!
I love HR products and the CS team!
I really value this company. Every single rose comes to me in perfect condition!
Ive Bought 15+! Amazing!
Every rose Ive ordered from Heirloom Roses has been doing fantastic!
I love HR products and the CS team!
I really value this company. Every single rose comes to me in perfect condition!
Ive Bought 15+! Amazing!
Every rose Ive ordered from Heirloom Roses has been doing fantastic!
I love HR products and the CS team!
I really value this company. Every single rose comes to me in perfect condition!
Ive Bought 15+! Amazing!
Every rose Ive ordered from Heirloom Roses has been doing fantastic!
I love HR products and the CS team!
I really value this company. Every single rose comes to me in perfect condition!
Ive Bought 15+! Amazing!
Every rose Ive ordered from Heirloom Roses has been doing fantastic!
I love HR products and the CS team!
I really value this company. Every single rose comes to me in perfect condition!
Ive Bought 15+! Amazing!
Every rose Ive ordered from Heirloom Roses has been doing fantastic!
I love HR products and the CS team!
I really value this company. Every single rose comes to me in perfect condition!
Ive Bought 15+! Amazing!
Just follow the sites care instructions and your roses from here will do amazing!
I love ordering roses from Heirloom. Their roses arrive healthy and vibrant.
I will definitely be using again they came so beautifully packaged.
They definitely take care to ensure that products arrive safely with no damage.
Just follow the sites care instructions and your roses from here will do amazing!
I love ordering roses from Heirloom. Their roses arrive healthy and vibrant.
I will definitely be using again they came so beautifully packaged.
They definitely take care to ensure that products arrive safely with no damage.
Just follow the sites care instructions and your roses from here will do amazing!
I love ordering roses from Heirloom. Their roses arrive healthy and vibrant.
I will definitely be using again they came so beautifully packaged.
They definitely take care to ensure that products arrive safely with no damage.
Just follow the sites care instructions and your roses from here will do amazing!
I love ordering roses from Heirloom. Their roses arrive healthy and vibrant.
I will definitely be using again they came so beautifully packaged.
They definitely take care to ensure that products arrive safely with no damage.
Just follow the sites care instructions and your roses from here will do amazing!
I love ordering roses from Heirloom. Their roses arrive healthy and vibrant.
I will definitely be using again they came so beautifully packaged.
They definitely take care to ensure that products arrive safely with no damage.
Just follow the sites care instructions and your roses from here will do amazing!
I love ordering roses from Heirloom. Their roses arrive healthy and vibrant.
I will definitely be using again they came so beautifully packaged.
They definitely take care to ensure that products arrive safely with no damage.
Heirloom Roses Blog Container Rose Care For Winter
Heirloom Roses Blog How To Plant Roses
Heirloom Roses Blog Preparing Roses For Winter
Own Root vs. Grafted Roses: How to Plant, Pros and Cons, What to Buy
FAQ
Are own root roses better?
Are bare root roses worth it?
When can you buy bare rooted roses?
Can you grow roses from root cuttings?
Do you sell own-root Roses?
We only sell healthy, virus-free Own-Root Roses and guarantee your success in the first year. We are a family-owned company that invests in our roses, our employees, and our customers. We are here to help you succeed! Our friendly rose experts are available year round to answer questions. Have Questions? here to help.
Which roses are used as rootstock?
Some roses used as rootstock are: Mainly used in warmer parts of the country. Fortuniana is very vigorous, does well in sandy soil, but is not hardy in extreme cold. It is tolerant to nematodes, which are pests that invade the roots and are common in Florida. A light pink Noisette used extensively at companies in California.
Are grafted Roses better than own-root Roses?
All of our roses are grown on their own roots, which means that they are grown directly from cuttings and not grafted onto a different rootstalk. There are several benefits to purchasing own-root roses as compared to grafted roses which are typically sold at large retail outlets. Own-root roses have increased vigor and bloom.
What are the benefits of own-root Roses?
Own-root roses have increased vigor and bloom. Own-root roses have longer life expectancy. In cold climates, roses on their own roots tend to be not only hardier, but also to remain true to the original variety should they die back in winter.
How long will my own-root rose last?
Your own-root rose will thrive for as long as it is well cared for. Own-root roses are not the best choice for instant gratification. However, vigor, hardiness, and the elimination of budding and grafting guarantees that the rose you selected, loved, and cared for will always be that same rose.
Do Roses live on their own roots?
Own-root roses have longer life expectancy. In cold climates, roses on their own roots tend to be not only hardier, but also to remain true to the original variety should they die back in winter. The bud union of a grafted rose is the most vulnerable spot to cold and it can be easily damaged in a cold winter.