The reasons for temperate fruit tree rootstock development are briefly outlined and the principal methods of rootstock propagation described. Although ease‐of‐propagation was once the principal criterion when selecting clonal rootstocks, other rootstock attributes, such as resistance to pests, diseases, and unfavourable climatic conditions or ability to dwarf the scion, have now become of greater priority. New and improved methods of propagation have aided this shift in priorities by enabling propagation of recalcitrant clones. Nevertheless, new methods of propagation which bring about partial rejuvenation of the rootstock also have disadvantages. Micropropagated rootstocks frequently sucker profusely and may also show increased burrknotting.