rhododendron cuttings

[zac123]

Ive taken half a dozen cuttings from my beautiful rhododendron and ive popped them into a mix of good quality compost/sand.

i also dipped the stem into rooting poweder before pushing them in.

they are covered over in a little plastic (non heated) propergator.

this was all about three weeks ago.

I was just wondering how long i should leave it before checking to see if roots have started?

Ive read different things online..... also does anyone know of anything extra i can do to help these along?

thanks
zac

[Miranda]

That type of cutting generally take better when started in autumn, zac, but leave them in a cool and shady place for a few months and they should take.

If you want a fairly reliable way of propagating Rhododendron, air layering is the way to go and you can do it right now. I put up a guide to doing this on my site and Rhododendrons are used in it: http://www.wildchicken.com/nature/garden/ga005_air_layering.htm

[zac123]

oopsy, Autumn eh... hmm, i'm a little bit early then! :-)

thanks for the link, i love examples with pictures!

I’ve put my cuttings in a small propagator which has a translucent cover to keep the sun off but they are outside in my mini green house so although its cool at the moment it won’t be in the summer so perhaps i need to rethink their position?

thanks
zac

[Miranda]

Thanks, zac, glad you found that page helpful. I like to see pictures as well.

I'd take your cuttings out of the greenhouse and put them outside somewhere. It could take several months, but keep checking the underside of the pot for roots.