Here is how to root a softwood cutting.
Start with a stem that has bloomed and is free of disease.
Cut the bloom off. Make sure you have at least 3-4 sets of leaves on the stem. Take off the bottom set of leaves. Where that came off is where the roots will come out.
Then I take a knife and cut a slit in the stem just under the budeye. I dip the stem in rooting hormone. I put mine directly in the ground. Just work up the soil where it's going to go. Poke a hole in the soil and put in the cutting. Press the soil around it . Then I take a milk jug and cut the bottom off it. Put that jug over the cutting. That way you have a removable top to water it through. Make sure to mark the jug with the name of the rose. 3-6 week later it's growing good. I just did 5 more today. I have 95% success rate.