How to Grow Rose (Chinese Rose)? A Step-by-Step Guide to Cultivation and Cutting Propagation

Many flower-growing enthusiasts love to plant a few pots of Chinese roses on their balcony or in their yard. The Chinese rose has the beautiful name “Queen of Flowers,” with elegant form, rich fragrance, and strong vitality. Below is a detailed introduction to the cultivation methods of Chinese roses as well as the timing and methods of cutting propagation.

I. Basic Information About Chinese Roses

1. Introduction to Chinese Roses

The Chinese rose is also known as Yueyuehong (Jiangsu and Zhejiang), Yueyuehua, Changchunhua (Changchun, Jilin), and Gengshen Rose. It is an evergreen or semi-evergreen low-growing shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It originated in central China in Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, and other places, and is now found all over the world. The flowers are large, 4-5 cm in diameter, mostly double-petaled though some are single-petaled, with petals spreading from the inside outward. There are many flower colors, including red, pink, occasionally white and yellow, and they are fragrant. The Chinese rose has a long flowering period and great ornamental value. In industry, the flowers are also used to extract fragrance.

2. Uses of Chinese Roses

(1) Chinese roses have a long flowering period, high ornamental value, and are affordable. They are widely used in horticultural cultivation and as cut flowers, such as in garden flower beds, flower borders, and courtyard floral arrangements. They can be made into Chinese rose bonsai, used as cut flowers, flower baskets, bouquets, etc. In industry, the flowers are also used to extract fragrance.

(2) The roots, leaves, and flowers of the Chinese rose can all be used as medicine. They have the effects of promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling, as well as anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. The Chinese rose is sweet in taste and warm in nature. Entering the liver meridian, it has the effects of promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, as well as reducing swelling and detoxifying. It is a fine gynecological medicine.

II. Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses have strong vitality, but to grow them well, you need to understand their growth habits and pay attention to conditions such as temperature, light, water, and soil. In cultivation, we should pay attention to the following cultivation methods and precautions:

1. Flower Pot Requirements for Chinese Roses

If growing Chinese roses in pots, choose an appropriate pot according to the size of the plant. When the roots and stems fill the pot, promptly switch to a larger pot. Generally choose ceramic or clay pots with good breathability.

2. Soil Requirements for Chinese Roses

For planting Chinese roses, it is best to choose soil that is rich in organic matter, fertile, loose, slightly acidic, and well-draining. The pH should preferably be kept slightly acidic or neutral. Generally, garden soil, compost, river sand, rapeseed cake, and bone meal can be mixed in a ratio of 3:3:2:1:1.

3. Temperature Requirements for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses prefer warmth, dislike extreme heat, and are relatively cold-tolerant. The suitable temperature for growth is 22°C-25°C. When summer temperatures exceed 25°C, the flowering period shortens. At high temperatures above 30°C, flowering decreases, so attention should be paid to cooling and ventilation. In winter, when temperatures fall below 5°C, growth stops and the plant enters dormancy. It can safely overwinter indoors.

4. Light Requirements for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses love light, need sufficient sunlight and air circulation. Do not grow Chinese roses in dark, damp places. In summer, provide appropriate shade for Chinese roses, otherwise the blooming flowers easily lose water and dry up.

5. Humidity Requirements for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses like humidity, so maintain soil and air moisture daily, preferably at 70%-80%.

6. Water Requirements for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses like moist soil. Remember the watering principle: “Don't water if not dry; water thoroughly when you do.” In summer heat, it is best to spray water once in the morning and once in the evening. In winter, decide the amount and timing of watering based on the dryness of the potting soil.

7. Fertilization Requirements for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses have a long flowering period and a high demand for fertilizer. Generally, during the two peak growing seasons of spring and autumn, fertilize once every 10-15 days. Either organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be used. Fertilization should be stopped in summer and winter.

8. Shaping and Pruning of Chinese Roses

After the Chinese roses finish blooming, promptly prune diseased branches, weak branches, and degenerated branches, and adjust the plant height appropriately. If there are particularly vigorous branches, they should be appropriately shortened.

9. Pest and Disease Control for Chinese Roses

The main diseases of Chinese roses include powdery mildew, gray mold, black spot, and leaf blight. Take different control measures according to different diseases, and the most important thing is timely prevention and treatment.

10. Propagation of Chinese Roses

If you want to grow Chinese roses separately, branches with 2 or more nodes cut during pruning can be used for cutting propagation.

Chinese roses have strong adaptability and are easy to keep alive. By paying more attention to some common flower-growing knowledge and precautions, and putting in just a little care, you can grow Chinese roses very well.

III. Cutting Timing and Methods for Chinese Roses

Chinese roses can be propagated by cuttings all year round, but spring and autumn are more suitable. The specific cutting methods are as follows:

1. Selecting Branches

Select healthy branches with 2 or more nodes, with a length of 10-15 cm. Leave two or three leaves, then soak the branches in rooting solution for half an hour to help promote rooting.

2. Preparing the Soil

Choose soil with good aeration that is fertile and loose as the growing medium. Generally, leaf mold, garden soil, and perlite can be mixed in a ratio of 3:3:4.

3. Treating the Growing Medium

Choose a flower pot with holes at the bottom, place the growing medium into the pot, insert the Chinese rose branches into the potting soil, and then use a spray bottle to moisten the soil.

4. Care After Cutting

After cutting, cover the flower pot with a layer of plastic film, then place the pot in a semi-shaded place with ventilation and scattered light for care. In the early stage, spray water multiple times a day. Afterward, spray once each in the morning, noon, and evening, then reduce to about once every 3 days. Under normal conditions at a temperature of 20-28°C, new roots grow in about 20 days.

Actually, Chinese rose cutting mainly comes down to: selecting healthy branches, preparing suitable growing medium, placing them in a cool and ventilated place, and keeping the soil moist. These three points are the most critical parts of cutting. Do these four points well, and the survival rate of Chinese roses will be very high.

Conclusion: That is all for the introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for Chinese roses. If you are a beginner, you might as well try caring for Chinese roses according to the above methods, and you can also prune branches yourself for cutting propagation.