How Rose Grafting Makes for Stronger, Longer-Lasting Blooms
News flash: not all roses grow the same.
And the ones you know and love? They get a little help!
Grafting techniques give each rose a stronger foundation. Literally.
From Knock Out® roses to multi-grafts, the process starts long before blooms appear.
Here’s how we grow roses that last (and why it matters for you).
Roses, Engineered to Thrive
The quiet process behind showstopping blooms….
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes before your Knock Out® rose arrives on your porch.
Expert growers hand-select, cut, prep, and pair each plant to grow stronger from the start.
It’s called grafting, and it’s one of the reasons your rose will bloom faster, last longer, and handle stress better than a standard shrub.
What Exactly Is Rose Grafting?
Grafting is the process of combining two plants into one super-performer.
Growers take the roots of a strong, resilient rose (called the rootstock) and attach the flowering variety on top (called the budwood).
Together, they grow as one plant with the strength of the root system and the beauty of the desired rose.
Why Do Growers Graft Roses?
Some rose varieties produce incredible blooms but struggle in tougher conditions.
Others are rugged, resilient, and disease-tolerant but lack the full color or form we love to see in a garden.
Grafting lets us give you the best of all worlds, like:
- Faster growth and establishment
- Bigger, longer-lasting blooms
- Improved disease resistance
- Better performance across different climates
It also allows us to standardize production, which means more reliable results once those roses reach your home.
What Kinds of Roses Are Typically Grafted?
At The Sun Grove, we use grafting for:
Knock Out® roses – These fan favorites grow faster and bloom more reliably when grafted onto strong rootstock.
From Field to Garden: How It Happens (In a Nutshell)
You don’t need to memorize the steps…but it’s pretty fascinating!
Fall: Take the Cuttings
In October, our growers harvest long canes called “whips” in Blythe, California.
These are sent to Shafter, CA, where they’re trimmed to 9” for June buds, 10” for multi-grafts, and 28” for trees.
Late Fall: Prep and Plant Rootstock
By November, the trimmed stems are de-eyed and planted, removing any growth points so energy flows into the graft later.
Each employee can plant up to 20,000 cuttings a day. Yes, really.
Winter: Store the Budwood
In December, budwood is cut from the current crop, de-leafed, and stored cold at 30°F to keep it fresh.
Spring: Graft and Grow
In April, a single bud is inserted into the side of each rootstock stem and tied securely.
Three weeks later, the stem above the graft is partially cut to redirect energy to the bud.
Six weeks after that, the rest of the stem is removed. It leaves only the new bud to grow and take over.
Timed to perfection!
So, do grafted roses need special care?
Not really, but a little know-how goes a long way.
Care Tips to Know For Your Grafted Rose
- Don’t bury the graft union when planting (look for the slight bump or “knot” near the base). Keep it just above the soil line to avoid suckers from the rootstock.
- Prune lightly the first season to help shape the rose and direct growth upward.
- Water deeply and consistently, especially during the first few months after planting.
Then, once established, grafted roses are among the easiest to care for and the most rewarding to grow.
Why It Matters To You
When you order our roses, you’re getting the result of months of expert care. It’s been grown with intention, precision, and a little horticultural magic!
That head start means your rose will thrive in your space with less guesswork, deeper color, and more blooms.
Ready for your very own? Shop the collection.
Happy gardening!
Your friends at The Sun Grove
Follow us on Instagram for daily tips or shoot us an email at hello@sungrove.com with specific questions!