What are rose suckers and how do I remove them?Updated 3 days ago

Rose suckers are vigorous canes that emerge from the rootstock below the graft union of a grafted rose. If left unchecked, these canes can eventually overtake the desired variety and reduce the plant's performance.

Suckers are more common when the bud union is buried (which we recommend in colder climates for winter protection) or when mulch is piled high around the base of the rose.

If you discover a sucker, we do not recommend simply cutting it off. Cutting often signals the plant to produce another sucker in its place. Instead, locate where the sucker connects to the rootstock and pull it down and away from the plant in one quick motion, similar to removing a Band-Aid. If your graft union is buried, you may need to gently dig below the soil surface to locate the point where the sucker originates before removing it.

After removal, you may apply a product such as Bonide Sucker Punch to help discourage regrowth. Whether suckers are cut or pulled, they may return from time to time. The key is early identification and prompt removal to ensure the desired variety remains healthy, vigorous, and does not become overtaken by the rootstock.