This is part two of a series about growing additional plants from your existing ones. If you missed part one, which instructed the leaf cutting and root division methods, click here.
Ground Layering
Large woody plants, such as climbing roses, hydrangea, and other flowering shrubs will propagate easily using the ground layering method. Ground layering should be done in late spring or early summer.
Select a young two- to three-foot stem from your plant and remove any flower buds, but leave the stem attached to the main plant. Next, dig a shallow trench, about a couple of inches down, near your plant, and place your stem in it. Cover the stem over with soil. Use either a rock or a landscape pin to keep the stem in place under the soil. Make sure to press down firmly. A little damage to the stem will actually encourage rooting of new plants. Keep the soil moist and wait a few weeks.
Once good roots have developed (you can brush away the soil to check and then replace it if the stem is not ready), cut each section with a sharp knife and then transplant the new plant.
Stem Cuttings
In the last post, I talked about leaf cutting. Similar to this is stem cutting. Both softwood and hardwood cuttings can turn into new plants, although hardwood cuttings take longer. Geraniums, forsythia and boxwood are some examples of plants that can be created with this technique. Early spring is usually the best time for stem cuttings, but the timing can vary according to the species of plant.
Make your cuttings about three inches in length, and make sure that the cuts are clean. Strip away the lower leaves, and dip the stems into rooting solution. Applying too much can actually hinder rooting. Next, prepare a tray of growing medium that has been dampened. Poke holes in the medium and insert the stems. Cover this with a clear dome to keep moisture in and place it in indirect sunlight. When enough roots have formed, transfer the cuttings.
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