[green_fingered_ash]

I gathered a large branch of weeping willow and cut the branch in 1 inch sections and stuffed into a litre bottle, filling it up half way and allowed them to soak for 48 hours. i took pruners and cut the rose stem at 45 degress (not a neat or even sterile). i then soaked the ~6-8 inch stem cuttings in the weeping willow solution for ~24 hours and plants in perlite and placed in a plastic bag with a few big holes cut in it to allow a change of air (stagnant air is bad) while also fanning once in a while. in 2 weeks some roots should start to form (im at this stage now) i will be transfering the cuttings to small pots with a mix of perlite and compost.

im surprised this worked so well, i was expecting them all to die, but if i always expect failure im always surprised

[Trillium]

It's the salycilic acid in willow that promotes rooting and keeps infections at bay.

Here's more info: http://www.bluestem.ca/willow-article1.htm

[green_fingered_ash]

Of all 11 cuttings, 9 started showing signs of root growth within 2 weeks. i only potted up 7 as some dropped all their leaves but weeping willow solution is definately good for cloning. i also used it to clone chilli peppers (not serious just for kicks)

[fiano60]

  Hi  Green fingered ash   Just read your post has inspired me to give
 it a go also I read the Article that Trillium has put in great never even
 heard about this Now all Ive got to do is find some willow round here
  Fiona

[chrissie B]

all ive ever done when cutting back my roses was to keep the long bits , soak them in water then stick them in the ground , a bit hitand miss but have had a few sucsesses got a yellow one n the go at the mo , i had to cut all mine back as the previous owner hadent done so they were a bit thin and straggly they are looking better now
chrissie b

[sunshineband]

all ive ever done when cutting back my roses was to keep the long bits , soak them in water then stick them in the ground , a bit hitand miss but have had a few sucsesses got a yellow one n the go at the mo , i had to cut all mine back as the previous owner hadent done so they were a bit thin and straggly they are looking better now
chrissie b

I've rooted rose cutting like this too, just sticking them in a slit trench in the ground and letting them get on with it -- so do, some don't  Always worth a go if you have the space