Propagation of shrubs and perennials

Melissa K
by Melissa K
When is the best time to snip cuttings for rooting? I have had the strangest luck with all sorts of things. The Angel Trumpets that I would root in the fall, I now find that the top growths root in water just as well during the spring, summer, etc. Also, how long should something be left in the water to root. My dwarf gardenias that I rooted in water grew long and bushy roots, but when I transplanted them into their own little pots, some did not make it. Also, I have waited until this month to transplant last year's cuttings into the ground outside. But am scared that frost my kill them. They are heavily mulched, but what exactly is the time period that a rooted plant like gardenia and angel trumpet should be(1) removed from the rooting medium, kept segregated in little plastic pots, then introduced into the yard. I really like propagation!
  3 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Oct 31, 2012
    Melissa, here is a thorough discussion of propagating brugmansia: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1674/#b I would not transplant young plants outside at this time of year where you are unless you have some means of protecting them; for example, an inverted gallon milk jug that would act as a little greenhouse. Roots are the best indicator of when it is time to upsize the pot. They should be vigorous and fill the previous pot without being pot-bound. If you're into propagation you might want to check out Ken Druse's book "Making More Plants: The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation."
  • Melissa K Melissa K on Nov 01, 2012
    Thanks Douglas. I think I am going to love that site because it is colorful and covers everything I need to know.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Nov 02, 2012
    I've probably spent too much time there myself!