Hi StCatharine!! Welcome to the forum.
I am assuming that you are referring to a bouquet of roses you have received?
A word of caution: Many roses are patented by the breeder to protect his/her investment of time (often many years) into the development of that particular rose, much the same as with prescription medications or anything else. Patented roses are protected by plant patent laws, and should not be reproduced by any means. However, many are not, and you probably don't even have any idea which rose variety yours are.
Because these are cut flower stems, you may or may not be successful propogating them as it depends on how fresh they are, and many other things. But it is certainly worth a try.
- First of all, trim the end off the cut flower, and let it stand in fresh water for several hours, to allow it to absorb as much moisture as possible. If it is quite dry, it will probably not work for you.
- Next, under water, trim the flower, and extra stem, until you have a piece of stem about four to six inches long, that has a few leaves left at the top(there must be leaves to continue gathering nutrients etc. while rooting), and three or four bud bumps along it. The preferred part of the stem is the softer wood (closer to the flowering end) and about as big around as a pencil.
- Once you have trimmed it, immediately wrap the cuttings in damp paper towel so that the ends do not get dry.
- Now, some rose gardeners simply stick these cuttings into the garden, tamp them down, and keep them watered. But if you are wanting more of a chance of success, slit the thin bark at the bottom of the stem vertically in several places with a very sharp razor or knife, and then use a rooting hormone.
- You can use two different rooting hormones depending on your preference. The first is dipping the damp, slit end of the cutting into a commercial rooting powder. The second is to leave the cuttings (slit ends down) overnight in water that has willow twigs steeping in it. If you use this method, when taking the cuttings out, allow the ends to callous over (dry a little) keeping the hormone inside. This method, although more organic, has not been proven in any scientific studies.
- Now put the cuttings into moist (not soggy) soil with at least one of the bud bumps along the stem under the soil. Put a glass container, or plastic bag over your plantings to maintain humidity, but do not allow it to get too damp, or fungus and rot will ensue.
- Place your cuttings in a bright, but not full sun, spot, and keep an eye on it to ensure it does not dry out.
- Your cuttings can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks to root, and as long as there is green on your cutting, there is hope.
- Once there is new foliage starting to grow, and the cutting resists when gently tugged, you can assume it is rooted, and you have your rose!!
I hope this helps,and you enjoy success.
Feel free to stop back with any questions or problems any time, and for sure let us know how it turns out! Good Luck!
Val