Own-root Shrubs: Low-Maintenance, Regenerative Roses – PharmaRosa®

We propagate our roses vegetatively, by cuttings. This sustainable method ensures that every single plant reliably preserves the original characteristics of the variety: its appearance, growth habit and regenerative potential. The essence of propagation by cuttings is that the new plant is built from identical tissue origin: the root system and the shoots come from the same plant “unit”, so the entire rose system functions as one.

One important consequence of this uniform structure is that own‑root roses can use their internal regulation to maintain a root–shoot balance. As a result, the plant usually develops the natural shrub habit typical of the variety by itself, which is why it does not require regular maintenance pruning. In most cases, aesthetic shaping is sufficient to achieve the desired shrub shape.

After planting, once your rose has arrived and you have planted it, there is generally no need for pruning in the first two years: it is worth allowing the plant to establish itself and “settle” into its position. Later on it still requires very little intervention; typically it is enough to remove any dead wood and, if you have a preferred shape in mind, you can easily maintain it with light aesthetic shaping. Heavy pruning is usually unnecessary.

The own‑root structure offers another long‑term key advantage: continuous renewal. Our roses can regularly produce new shoots from their own roots, so the shrub can be kept naturally fresh, remain well‑balanced over the long term and maintain the shrub form typical of the variety. Under suitable conditions the plant can remain vigorous for many years, even decades – and in favourable locations it may live for more than 50 years.

If the shoot system is damaged by frost or other stress, with proper nutrient and water supply the rose can regenerate itself from the roots. In contrast, the renewal of grafted roses is mostly limited to the area around the graft union. As there is no plant material of different origin in our roses, the plant remains uniform in structure throughout, which in practice often leads to better regeneration, more balanced growth and, in many cases, greater resistance to diseases.