Now, to your question: Can grafted roses produce new basal breaks near the bud union? Yes, they certainly can! In grafted roses, these basal breaks typically emerge from the graft union—the swollen area where the scion (the desired rose variety) is joined to the rootstock. These new shoots are a sign of a vigorous plant and are highly desirable, as they will develop into strong canes that contribute to the overall health and bloom production of your rose bush.

 

However, it's important to distinguish these new canes of the top stock variety from "suckers," which arise from the rootstock below the graft union. Suckers can be identified by their origin point below the bud union and often differ in appearance from the desired variety - more vigorous, lighter green, often with smaller leaves. If they grow for a long time and are not removed they will start to flower and look different than the top stock variety. Dr. Huey is the most widely used grafted rootstock in the United States and it's flowers are small cluster a deep burgundy pink. They should be removed but tearing, not cutting, them at the source, to ensure the energy of the plant is directed towards the growth of the scion variety.

 

To encourage beneficial basal breaks, consider the following:

If you keep an eye on grafted roses, just like own root roses, you will see those delightful basal breaks making an appearance!