azaleas

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jcf Brooklet, GA(Zone 8a) Nov 01, 2001

what is the best way to root them and when?????

Post #17183

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Azalea Jonesboro, GA(Zone 7b) Nov 01, 2001

Sooo easy! I just take a low hanging branch, scratch the bark a little and bury the part that is closet to the "Mother" plant. Put a rock on it and in a month or so you can cut it off and have a brand new plant. I think spring is the best season to do this when they start to put out new growth. I have done this many times. Also works well with Rhodies, Jasmine, etc. most any woody plant. Try it. I'm sure you can root cuttings in peat or potting soil, but then you have to remember to keep the moisture just right which I am not good at. Good luck.

Post #156016

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jcf Brooklet, GA(Zone 8a) Nov 01, 2001

thanks so much for the info.

Post #156049

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plantnutz Austell, GA(Zone 7a) Nov 02, 2001

jcf, right after they bloom in the spring, when you are pruning them. I have better luck with soft newish growth - didn't seem to matter if I used a rooting hormone or not.
Just keep them moist - I have what I call my nursery area close to the water hose. Brenda

Post #156944

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smiln32 Oklahoma City, OK(Zone 7a) Nov 05, 2001

Be sure, if you take cuttings that you keep them moist at all times and strip the leaves except for the ones at the very top. I put mine in a potting mixture and in a tray with holes in the bottom. Then I put the whole thing in a larger tray with water in it.

When you lay the branches down on the ground, you really don't even need to scratch it at all...at least I've never done it. I put some down a few weeks ago and by springtime, they'll be babies. Last spring, I put some down and I had 5 new plants by fall.

I lay them down and put pine needles over them, a little dirt or perhaps a small piece of wood, just so that they are touching the dirt a bit.

Good luck.