Roses hold a unique place in the hearts of gardeners worldwide, but when it comes to choosing between own-root and grafted roses, the debate can be passionate. Jason, from Fraser Valley Rose Farm, shared his personal preference for own-root roses in a recent video. However, he also highlighted five compelling reasons why grafted roses deserve consideration in your garden. This article explores these reasons in detail, providing a balanced perspective on this hot topic.
Understanding the Basics: Grafted vs. Own-Root Roses
Before diving into the reasons for growing grafted roses, it’s essential to understand what makes them different from own-root varieties. Grafted roses are created by surgically joining two rose varieties. The top stock, which determines the rose’s flowers and growth characteristics, is attached to a rootstock, chosen for its vigor or disease resistance. This “graft union” combines the strengths of both plants.
In contrast, own-root roses are grown entirely from cuttings of a single variety, which develop both the roots and top growth. While Jason often chooses own-root roses for their longevity and lack of suckering issues, grafted roses bring unique advantages to the table.
Large-scale growers historically favored grafting because it allowed them to scale production rapidly. By propagating vigorous rootstocks like Dr. Huey and grafting buds from newer varieties onto them, growers could reduce the amount of parent material needed for hot, market-ready varieties. This efficiency enabled breeders to meet surges in demand for new introductions while maintaining production speed and consistency.
1. Availability: Access to a Wider Selection
The first reason to consider grafted roses is their availability. Jason pointed out that grafting has been the predominant method for rose production over the last century. Many breeders and growers offer their newest and most sought-after varieties exclusively as grafted roses, making it the fastest way to get them to market in large quantities.
For gardeners seeking a diverse palette of roses, opting for solely own-root varieties can limit choices to less than half of what’s available globally.
2. Rootstock Benefits: Enhanced Growth in Specific Conditions
Grafted roses bring the added benefit of rootstocks designed to thrive in particular climates or soil types. Jason explained the advantages of the three main commercially available rootstocks:
- Dr. Huey: Common in California, this rootstock performs well in alkaline soils, helping roses absorb nutrients like iron more efficiently.
- Multiflora: Favored in cooler or northern climates with shorter growing seasons, providing reliable growth where other roses might struggle.
- Rosa fortuniana: A shallow-rooted rootstock ideal for sandy soils, particularly in southeastern regions like Florida, where it also resists root nematodes.
These rootstocks impart vigor to the grafted roses, often resulting in faster growth and quicker establishment compared to own-root roses. However, Jason noted that while some growers openly share the rootstock they use, others leave it unspecified, requiring a bit of research or direct inquiries.
3. Tree Roses: Unique Styles and Multi-Grafted Varieties
Tree roses, or standard roses, offer a striking visual appeal with their “lollipop” shape—blooms on top of a tall stem. These roses are exclusively grafted and often include multiple varieties grafted onto a single rootstock for a multi-color display.
Jason highlighted that this technique isn’t just for tree roses; with some effort, grafting can be used to create multi-colored shrub roses as well. This unique feature is a benefit that own-root roses simply cannot replicate, opening creative possibilities for gardeners looking to make a bold statement.
4. Managing Aggressive Suckering Varieties
While suckering is often considered a disadvantage of grafted roses, Jason pointed out an interesting twist: in certain cases, grafting can actually help control this problem.
For aggressive varieties like Gallica or Rugosa roses, which tend to spread through underground runners, grafting can limit their ability to sucker. By planting the graft union above ground, gardeners can prevent the top stock from rooting into the soil and sending out unwanted shoots. While this technique can be effective, it’s worth noting that exposing the graft union above ground may increase vulnerability to cold damage in certain climates.
5. Supporting Weak Growers
Some rose varieties simply do not perform well on their own roots. Jason shared the example of ‘Distant Drums,’ a stunning grandiflora rose that struggles to root and thrive as an own-root plant in his climate. Other varieties like Nostalgie, Double Delight, Chicago Peace, and Just Joey face similar challenges, highlighting how grafting can provide the vigor necessary for success.
Historically, breeders evaluated roses based on their performance as grafted plants, not their ability to grow independently. For gardeners who’ve struggled with weak or poorly performing own-root roses, trying the same variety as a grafted rose might be the solution. The vigor imparted by the rootstock can make all the difference in a challenging climate or soil type.
Jason’s Final Thoughts: A Balanced Perspective
Despite these compelling reasons to consider grafted roses, Jason remains loyal to own-root varieties whenever possible. He acknowledges the vulnerability of the graft union, which can develop issues like galls or cankers, and the shorter average lifespan of grafted roses (10–15 years compared to centuries-old own-root specimens). However, he also recognizes the practical advantages of grafted roses in terms of availability, adaptability, and creative possibilities.
For gardeners who want the best of both worlds, Jason shared his innovative approach: purchasing grafted roses when necessary, taking cuttings from them, and rooting these cuttings to create own-root plants. Over time, the own-root versions often match or exceed the performance of the grafted plants, offering a sustainable solution for long-term garden success.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Rose for Your Garden
Choosing between grafted and own-root roses ultimately depends on your gardening goals, climate, and personal preferences. Grafted roses shine in their availability, adaptability to specific conditions, and ability to offer unique forms like tree roses. Meanwhile, own-root roses excel in longevity, resilience, and historical charm.
Whether you choose grafted roses, own-root varieties, or a combination of both, understanding the strengths and limitations of each option ensures a thriving and beautiful rose garden. For further reading information see this article on Jason’s other site, or watch the original video here:
