Notice something that doesn’t belong in your rose garden? It could be a rose sucker: a common but often misunderstood part of growing grafted roses. Yes, they’re a problem. But once you know what to look for, they’re no big deal at all.
We’ll cover what suckers are, how to identify them, common causes, and how to remove them so your rose will stay true to its intended variety.
What Is a Rose Sucker?
A rose sucker is a vigorous growth shoot that originates from the rootstock rather than from the named variety. It shoots up from below the graft union – the knobbly joint near the base of the plant that connects the rootstock below with the purchased variety above.
So why are rose suckers a problem? They draw much-needed energy away from the grafted variety and can eventually take over the plant. You could end up with a completely different flower than the one you purchased!
How to Identify a Rose Sucker
If you’re unsure if a shoot is a sucker or normal growth, the most reliable indicator comes from the point of origin.
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If the shoot is emerging from below the graft union or the soil nearby, it’s a sucker.
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Shoots from above the graft union are healthy basal growth and should be left alone.
Visual differences between suckers and canes can include leaf color, shape, and thorn density. But these should only serve as clues, NOT determining factors alone. Your telltale sign will always come from the point of origin.
A common misconception is that rose suckers always have 7 leaflets, but this alone is unreliable as an identifier. Roses naturally vary in leaflet count and many modern roses produce 7-leaflet leaves.
Dr. Huey is the most commonly used rootstock in the US. If you see a single small dark-red bloom pop up in spring, that’s certainly a Dr. Huey rose sucker and should be removed.
*Note for climbing rose growers: Climbing roses and rambler roses naturally send new stems from a short distance away from the main plant. Wait, observe, and only remove if the growth clearly doesn’t match the purchased rose variety.
What Causes Rose Suckers?
Roses produce suckers mainly as a stress response, warning you that something is wrong. Here are the most common triggers for rose suckers and how you can keep them in check:
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Root damage: Rough weeding, improper planting, or careless use of garden tools can disturb the area close to the rootstock.
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Shallow planting: Planting the graft union too close to the soil surface leaves it vulnerable to damage from the elements. Protect it by burying it 1-2 inches below soil level.
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Extreme temperatures: Stress from heatwaves, drought, or winter damage can force rootstock to produce new growth. Keeping the graft union insulated will reduce the likelihood of sucker production.
How to Remove a Rose Sucker
When suckers pop up, they must be removed immediately to prevent them from sucking the life out of your beautiful rose bushes. Follow these 4 simple steps for swift, easy rose sucker removal:
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Identify: Don’t remove anything until you’re certain. Trace the shoot back to its point of origin to confirm it’s a sucker. Use a trowel to gently move the soil and reveal the graft union if necessary.
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Pull, don’t cut: Clean cuts stimulate new growth. Tear the sucker off as close to the rootstock as possible to remove its growth cells and prevent regrowth.
*If the sucker is too mature to tear off cleanly, cut it as close to the point of origin as possible – never above it. -
Provide aftercare: Replace disturbed soil, water and feed, and apply a fresh layer of mulch.
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Monitor: Once your rose has started producing suckers, there’s always a risk that they’ll pop up again. Regularly check the base of your rose during the growing season to make sure you catch them early on.
Do Own-Root Roses Get Suckers?
The short answer: no. With no separate rootstock, own-root roses simply cannot produce suckers. All new growth from the base is healthy and of the same variety as the purchased rose – the most important difference between own-root and grafted roses.
How can you tell if your rose is own-root or grafted? Look for the graft union near the base. If there’s no visible junction point, it’s an own-root rose.
Final Thoughts
Suckers are a normal part of growing grafted roses. Early identification and swift removal is key. Check the base of your rose regularly as part of your seasonal care routine, and those suckers won’t stand a chance. Visit April & Ashley to shop our collection of premium rose bushes – shipped straight from our farm to your home.