What if you could grow a single rose bush with blooms in red, pink, yellow, white and maybe even some variegated magic?
No, it’s not a plant from a fairy tale. It’s a real, achievable garden project called rose grafting, and it lets you blend multiple rose varieties into one stunning shrub.
If you’ve never tried grafting before, don’t worry. This guide breaks it down step by step, so even if you’re new to the process, you can get started growing your own rainbow rose in no time.
Why Graft Roses for Multiple Colors?
You can grow different colored roses on one plant like painting with flowers. It’s perfect for small gardens with limited space.
Besides, you get extended bloom time by mixing early and late-season varieties. It makes a truly one-of-a-kind garden centerpiece.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these supplies:
- A healthy rootstock rose bush (preferably one that’s disease-resistant and well established)
- Scions: 6-inch cuttings from the rose varieties you want to add (at least 2–3 buds on each)
- Sharp grafting knife
- Grafting tape
- Rubbing alcohol
- Optional: grafting wax and plant labels
When to Graft Roses
The best time is early spring, when the rootstock is coming out of dormancy and sap begins to flow.
You can also try bud grafting in late summer if the rootstock is actively growing. Avoid grafting during extremes, no freezing cold or scorching heat.
Step-by-Step Guide on Grafting Multiple Rose Colors
1. Pick the Right Rootstock and Scions
Choose a rose bush that’s sturdy and healthy. Scions should come from disease-free plants and be about the thickness of a pencil.
2. Prepare the Scions
Cut 6-inch stems with 2–3 nodes (leaf bumps). Trim the leaves and thorns, and shape the base into a wedge if you’re doing a cleft graft.
3. Make the Graft
Depending on the method (cleft, T-bud, whip-and-tongue), carefully open the rootstock and insert the scion so their cambium layers (green inner bark) touch. This is the secret to a successful graft as it’s where the flow of nutrients happens.
4. Secure It
Wrap the area tightly with grafting tape to hold it in place. You can also apply grafting wax over the joint to seal in moisture and prevent infection.
5. Aftercare
Finally, you just water gently but consistently. and shade the graft area if sun is strong. Also, watch for new shoots success usually shows within 3–6 weeks.
How to Maintain Your Multi-Colored Rose Bush
Don’t prune off new growth from the grafts, instead, you should remove suckers (growth from below the graft point) so they don’t steal energy.
In addition, you can fertilize gently to support blooming and root health.
