how do you splice a rose?

Question

Especially in making different colors of roses. What is the best way to grow them?

Answer 1

I think you mean graft. Grafting gives you another plant exactly like the original.
Different color/ flowers are produced by breeding different varieties.
If you want grafting instructions there are gardening sites that will give more complete info that I can give here. Basically to graft a rose you cut a bud from the cane of what you want to reproduce and then cut into another bush and tie the bud into it. Please check do a websearch for a site with pictures, it takles a little practice to get it right.

Answer 2

Splicing or grafting plants takes a lot of practice to do successfully. I took a course in it to learn how. Most roses are already grafted on to a "rootstock" when you buy them. The rootstock plant is one that is chosen because it's a vigouous variety. Often the hybrid plant that is attached on top is weaker and the rootstock helps the hybrid grow better. You can look for a swollen area where the two join at the base of the plant to see if it's a grafted plant. When you plant it be sure the joint is above the ground. To graft another type on to the hybrid, you need to make an diagonal cut on the host plant where the new branch will go. Use a clean sharp instrument to get a smooth surface. If you want to make the investment, you can buy a grafting knife. The trick is to make a matching diagonal cut on the end of the new branch that matches the size and shape of the 1st cut so the two will fit together exactly. Keep the cut on the mother plant a couple of inches out from the main trunk.

The thin green layer if tissue just below the brown outer layer is what carries the water and nutrients through the plant. To have the graft succeed and grow together the green layer on both cut surfaces (will look like an oval green ring, if cut correctly) has to match up and be in contact when the two pieces are put together. Both cuts need to be completely flat or they won't be in contact. You can trim the new branch a little with a razor blade to adjust the fit. Use one smooth stroke to cut. Don't let the surfaces dry out while you're working. There is grafting tape that you can get at a garden center that is wrapped around the joint to hold the pieces in place until they grow together.

A smaller, younger branch is best to graft. Don't use a long one because it will be hard to hold in place because of the weight and it will need more nutrients from the mother plant to survive. In the class I took we practiced making cuts on other kinds of "scrap" branches (like trimmed branches from shrubs or small trees) before trying it for real. Good luck.