How to Grow Seven Sisters Rose From Cuttings?

How to grow seven sisters rose from cuttings

Seven Sisters Rose, also known as “Rosa multiflora,” is a popular and beautiful shrub. The beauty and fragrance of its flowers are one of its main attractions.  Historically, Charles Greville is the first person who introduced the Seven Sisters Rose to England from Japan in the early 1800s. Today, the Seven Sisters Rose is often referred to as “Grevillei” in recognition of Charles Greville’s contributions to botany.

Furthermore, the flower trusses can bear up to seven blooms. The trusses are deep cerise-purple, pale mauve, and sometimes off-white colors. Cutting is a fruitful process. You can complete it with a little care and patience. Following the correct procedure at every step, from the initial collection of cuttings to the germination of roots, the tree will grow beautifully and add extraordinary beauty to your garden.

Quick Seven sisters rose facts

  • Common name: Multiflora rambler, Seven sister roses, Rambler rose.
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • Scientific Name: Rosa multiflora 
  • Other Names: Climbing rose, Baby rose, Japanese rose, Many-flowered rose
  • Origin: China
  • Plant Type: Tropical Perennial
  • Mature Size: Approximately 20 feet or 6 meters in height.
  • The growth habit: Very vigorous.
  • Sun Exposure: Need full sun and 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and blooming.
  • Color of leaves: Glossy deep green leaves 
  • Bloom Time: Spring
  • Flower Color: Deep cerise-purple, pale mauve, off-white.
  • Ideal soil type: Well-drained sandy and loamy soil
  • Ideal pH of soil: Neutral or slightly acidic
  • Propagation: Stem cutting
  • Hardiness Zones: 6 to 8 (USDA)
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic.

The cutting process of the seven sisters rose

The cutting process of these roses is simple and easy. Let’s read together to become familiar with this cutting procedure. 

Step 1: Stem selection and cuttings 

In the spring, the branches of plants usually grow well.  Thus, cutting at this time is effective. Here are some points to consider when cutting

  • Before cutting, choose healthy and green stems of the Seven Sisters rose plant. Check if there are at least 2 to 3 leaf nodes in this branch.
  • Cut a stem 5 to 9 inches long, roughly the width of a pencil, with at least 2-3 nodes or bud eyes. The branches that open just below the flower buds are the best for the cutting.
  • Cut the roots from the side of the plant rather than from the middle of the plant. Additionally, it is better to cut at an angle of 45 degrees. This will increase the water retention capacity. 
  • Take a lot of cuts because only 25 to 50 percent of the cuttings can form roots.
  • When you take multiple cuttings, you should put the first cuttings in water to keep them hydrated before proceeding to the next step. 

Step 2: Trimming

  • Keep a node of two or three leaves and remove all the leaves on top of the stem.
  • Remove any flowers, flower buds, and excess leaves next to the cut stems. This trimming helps the stem conserve energy to grow new roots.
  • Next, cut off the remaining part of the stem just above the upper set of leaves.

Step 3: Cut the bottom of the stem

There are some important steps to be followed when cutting the bottom part to grow the roots:

  • Look for a part at the bottom of the stem, just below a knot where new growth begins.
  • Cut off the top of the stem about 1/4 inch from the bottom.
  • Divide the cuttings into open quarters so the roots can germinate easily. This process increases the rate of root growth.

Step 4: Use of rooting hormones

You can dip the bottom of the cuttings in rooting hormone. This hormone will help in the growth of root hair. Powder, liquid, and gel forms of this hormone are available. If you are caring for roses, you will find the powder works best. But it is optional; if you want, you can skip this step.

  • Soak the lower part of the cuttings lightly so that the hormone powders are easily absorbed.
  • Dip the cuttings in the powder or liquid part of the seedling growth hormone.
  • Shake the stem to remove the excess hormone powder.

Tips

  • After applying the hormone, immediately put the cutting stem in the soil or container. This will help the roots to grow faster. This method increases the success rate of root grafts.
  • Use sharp cutters and knives.

Potting of seven sisters rose

The step-by-step process for planting rose seven sisters​ in a potting mix is given below

Step 1: Choose the right pot

  • Choose the right pot for planting plants in the potting mix. You can use it as a plastic, clay, or ceramic pot.
  • Check to confirm if there are holes under the pot. The holes under the pot help to drain the water properly.
  • The depth of the pot should be at least 10 to 12 inches, ranging from deep enough for seven sisters’ rose roots to grow well.

Step 2: Preparing the Rose Potting Mix

Fill a small pot with at least 6 inches of potting mix. If you can’t buy a ready-made potting mix, you can make your own with some ingredients. Rosa multiflora potting mixes usually contain the following ingredients

  • Quarry sand or perlite
  • Coco-peat
  • Compost or organic manure
  • Garden Soil

Step 3: Preparing the cutting stem

  • Choose a healthy and mature rose plant. 
  • The roots of the sapling or cuttings should be strong and fresh.

Step 4: Setting up

  • Put small stones or pieces of soil on the drainage holes in the pot so that the soil does not come out but the water can be drained properly.
  • Fill half of the pan with the batter.
  • Before inserting the cut stem into the potting mix, make a 1 to 2-inch hole in the dough mixture with your finger or pencil.
  • Place the cutting stems in the root potting mix and spread the roots properly. Then, add the rest of the potting mixture. But take care that the roots of the roots are not too pressed and the hormones of the roots are not rubbed off.
  • After planting, water well on the soil so the stem sits well around the roots.

Step 5: Add a humidifying coat

  • Place a long pole in the pot and add a layer of moisture cover. Thus, cover the cuttings and the pot loosely with plastic wrap or a plastic bag to maintain proper humidity.
  • Cover with plastic wrap in such a way that the plastic does not touch any of the remaining leaves of the stem. Because plastic can cause fungal diseases.
  • Plastic bags should not be too thick in layers
  • Cover with plastic wrap and allow a little air to circulate.
  • Next, place the pot in a place that receives indirect sunlight. Such as a covered porch, next to a shed, shady windows, or under a tree.

Tips

  • Put the cuttings under a grow light or near a bright window, and then in 4-6 weeks, the roots will begin to grow from the cuttings.
  • After the roots are grown, the cuttings can be removed from the pot and transferred to a large container or soil.
  • Use an artificial humidifier to maintain proper moisture.
  • In this period, avoid direct lights for the seven sisters’ roses.

Monitoring and care of seven sisters rose 

Regular care is important for the healthy growth of roses 

  • After planting, keep under indirect light for several days. However, avoid the direct light. Too much sunlight can damage the plant. 
  • Check the moisture content of the soil when watering. Excessive irrigation can damage the roots.
  • Use a good organic fertilizer every month. This will help the trees to grow faster.
  • Insects often attack the leaves and flowers of the seven sisters’ roses. Check the plant regularly and use insecticides if necessary.
  • Water the plant regularly, and if you feel the soil surface is slightly dry.
  • When the plant is pruned, its shape becomes beautiful, and it grows new shoots.

Additional tips

  • Removing dead leaves is essential if you notice any dead leaves on the rosewood plant.
  • Water the plants less and prune plants in highly humid conditions. Due to overwatering,  Root rot may be seen.

FAQs

What kind of twigs should be used when cutting off seven sisters’ roses?

You should select young and healthy stems for cutting. The potential for new roots to develop from young stems.  Too old or hard stems are not suitable for cutting seven sisters rose.

What kind of soil should be used to propagate seven sister roses?

A mixture of sandy, loamy soil and compost is suitable for growing roots from cuttings. Light and well-drained soil can also be used.

What are the common problems with seven sisters rose?

Some common problems can occur during the propagation of Seven Roses. Here are some problems

  • Root rot is very harmful to the plant. This problem occurs due to excess moisture or waterlogged soil.
  • Aphids or sucking insects attack the young parts of the rose plant and suck the sap of the plant.
  • Spider mites have white or yellow spots on the leaves and webbing under the leaves.
  • Powdery mildew fungus forms a white powdery coating and black spots on the leaves of roses and then weakens the whole plant.
  • Using too much fertilizer can burn the roots of roses.
  • Too much heat can cause the rose leaves to wilt.

 

What are the solutions to some common problems of seven sister roses?

  • Yellowing of leaves: Due to overwatering, leaves turn yellow. Test the soil and follow the watering rules.
  • Flowering: If there is not enough sunlight and temperature, the flowers do not bloom. Make sure you get at least 4-5 hours of light every day.
  • Root rot: Root rot can occur if the soil is not properly drained. Be sure to have good drainage.

 

How long does it take to bloom from the cuttings of a seven-sister rose?

Rooting usually begins in 4-6 weeks after cutting. However, this time may vary slightly depending on the weather and care.

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