Here's what I do. I do hardwood cuttings now and plant outdoors right in the ground. I have anywhere from 25-100% success. I just scrape off the outside layer of the rose on the botton 1/2", in 2 spots, then dip in rooting hormone. I also remove all leaves and flower. Take a pencil, make a hole and insert cutting. Then I pack the soild around it well and water. That's it. Come spring you should have some growing.

That's JUST what I do, but put the cuttings in bands. Weather has been warm here, will protect these in an unheated greenhouse as it get colder. Keep them lightly moist, Very good success rate with climbers (New Dawn offspring mostly: Awakening, New Dawn, `Etude, Temptation, Inspiration) Cl. Orfeo, Cl. Compassion, Cl. Highfield, Cl. Fugue, Cl. Etoile de Hollnande, HT Deep Secret, HT Typhoo Tea, & FL Geranium Red. I always make more from my favorites, give them away to friends, etc. I did these a few weeks ago - Jay