What if your standard rose is growing shoots from the trunk?

Why does a standard rose grow shoots from the stem?

A standard rose is actually two plants joined together: a rootstock stem with a crown of noble rose grafted on top. Most standard roses use a vigorous, spreading rootstock (such as Rosa canina) as the base, with a beautiful rose cultivar grafted onto it. The noble rose grows from that graft point.

If you see shoots growing directly from the stem (below the graft point), it means the rootstock is waking up. This can happen after frost, damage to the graft point, planting too deep, or because the plant is stressed. These shoots are usually coarser, have more thorns, and smaller leaves than the shoots from the graft point above.

This is a common problem with standard roses. Handling it correctly prevents the rootstock from dominating and smothering your lovely cultivar.

How do you recognize rootstock shoots?

Shoots from the rootstock have clearly different characteristics from the noble rose:

• Coarser, more robust wood
• Smaller, often lighter green leaves
• Many more and sharper thorns
• Grow from the lower part of the stem (below where the rose is grafted)
• Different flower or bud form (if they even produce flowers)

The noble rose (above the graft point) stays the same: softer shoots, larger leaves, characteristic flowers for that cultivar.

If you are unsure, wait until both parts bloom. Then you see the difference immediately.

Step 1: Remove them right away, do not wait

Never leave these shoots with the idea "I will cut them later". The rootstock grows much more vigorously than the noble rose, and the longer you wait, the more energy goes into these shoots. Within two growing seasons, the rootstock can completely overgrow your lovely rose.

As soon as you see them appear (usually May-June), cut them off. The sooner, the better.

Step 2: Cut flush against the stem

Use a sharp pruner and cut each shoot flush against the stem. Leave no stump or bud - it will regrow immediately. If there are several shoots, remove them all in the same session.

You can also carefully check the bark around the graft point. Sometimes there is debris, raised polyethylene, or a damaged spot causing the problem.

Step 3: Check the graft point itself

The graft point (where the two plants join) must always be above soil level, at least 5-10 cm up. This prevents the rootstock from forming roots and growing itself from the ground.

If your plant is planted too shallow, the graft point might be below soil level. You must prevent this:

• For a potted plant: you can raise the plant higher in the pot and add fresh soil
• In ground: you can carefully dig up the plant and replant it slightly higher (but not more than 5 cm below the graft point)

TL;DR

Shoots from the stem of your standard rose are growth from the rootstock, not the noble rose. They grow much more vigorously. You must remove them immediately, flush against the stem. Also make sure the graft point stays above soil level.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave those shoots if they just do not grow?

No. That does not work. The rootstock will not stop growing because you ignore it. On the contrary: the longer you wait, the stronger it becomes. Within two years it will overtake the noble rose. Cut them off as soon as you see them.

My standard rose keeps producing these shoots. What am I doing wrong?

Possible causes:

• The graft point is planted too deep in the soil - this is the most common reason. The rootstock can then form roots and grows more strongly because of it.
• Your plant has suffered frost damage - this damages the graft point and stimulates the rootstock
• The rootstock itself is very vigorous (canina rootstocks are stronger than gentiana rootstocks)

If the graft point is buried, you can carefully raise the plant or add extra soil around the graft point.

Will those shoots also have nice flowers if I leave them?

Usually yes, but you do not want that. They are flowers from the rootstock (e.g. Rosa canina = wild rose with small red hips), not your noble cultivar. And they are usually much smaller and less interesting. Moreover, they cost nutrients your noble rose needs.

How long does this problem continue?

If you keep removing the shoots properly, it will not get worse. You will probably need to cut a few shoots each year, especially in the growing months (May-August). That is normal for standard roses. Some rootstocks are just more prone to this than others.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Recognize them correctly

Check that the shoots grow from the lower part of the stem and have different characteristics than your noble rose (coarser, more thorns, different leaves).

Step 2: Remove all new growth

Use a sharp pruner, cut flush against the stem. Leave no stump.

Step 3: Check the graft point

Make sure it is clearly above soil level (5-10 cm minimum).

Step 4: Monitor and repeat

Check your plant regularly during the growing season (May-September). Remove new shoots immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I protect the graft point with wax or ointment?

You do not need to protect the graft point extra. Just keep it clean and dry. If bark is damaged, let it heal naturally. No dressing needed.

My neighbor says he never has to do this. Why do I?

Different rootstocks, different cultivars, and different rootstock stocks have different characters. Some rootstocks are genetically more prone to sprouting than others. Your plant simply has a "more lively" rootstock. That is not bad, you just need to prune more regularly.

Discover your own garden design

At [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you can upload your front yard and see how roses fit in it - with realistic growth shapes and surrounding plantings. Plan your rose bed before you plant.