Here is what work for me for the past 2 yrs or so I have been experimenting with the rooting of rose branches. I did alot of reading and still do my researching, I have no prefected the technique as yet but here is what have been working for me thus far.

After I take the cuttings whether they are hardwood or softwood cuttings I put them in a bucket of water that have BLEACH in it. I let them sit for about 3-4 days some times a week before I put them in the soil and keep them moist.

This Technique I got from a website and have been usign ever since.. The reason for the bleach in the water is so while the branches are still being feed by the water the algae and bacteria will not kill the branch.