tree/shrub multiplying?

Factual Questions
1

hi all,

Looking for some green thumb help. I don’t even know what I’m trying to do is called, so I didn’t know what to google on.

I have a few nice shrubs that I can no longer buy. However, I remember reading somewhere that I can cut a branch or something off of a living plant, and somehow get that branch to turn into a new shrub… I suppose the branch eventually gets roots of its own, and after planting this, a new shrub is born.

I guess.

Does anyone know how to do this, or can you point me to somewhere on the web where I can read about it? Or is this even possible? Do I need a live root as part of my cutting? or will it grow without it?

I also have a dwarf evergreen that I’d like to do this to as well, but since I don’t know what to cut off of the living one, I figure I should understand that part of the process before clipping the living plant.

as you can tell from my poorly written question, I have no idea what I’m talking about.

Thanks for any help!

2

Yes, you are correct in thinking that many (most) shrubs and trees can be reproduced from cuttings.

In fact almost all named cultivars are produced this way for the nursery trade, as sexual reproduction will produce a wide variety of seedlings.

Rather than write out a long description, may I suggest that you google “propagation of shrubs by cuttings” You will find a plethora of articles.

If you have specific questions, please ask.

3

What you want to do is called taking a cutting. There is lots of information around on how to do this eg. http://www.happynews.com/living/gardening/cuttings-plants-trees.htm

You can buy stuff called cutting powder which encourages root growth but I prefer to use honey (mainly becauseI usually have some around) eg. Care2 is the world's largest social network for good, a community of over 40 million people standing together, starting petitions and sharing stories that inspire action.

Happy cloning!

4

things will differ with the plant.

some shrubs may also be divided (dig up some of the root and separate).

5

Or layered, if it’s a shrub with long, whippy branches that go to the ground, like forsythia.

6

Thanks all!

I’m sure I’ll have questions. I, going to read through a couple of the linked sites and see where they lead me. I’ve heard the fall is the best time to do this.

I have some Thuja Green Giants I’d like to propagate. These trees grow FAST and make a terrific screen. If I could take some cuttings from my current plants, I could complete my windscreen for virtually no extra money. They grow so fast, a one year old plant can be anywhere from between one and three feet.

If this is easy, and I get good at it, I may just visit some of my neighbors trees and remove a branch or two. :-). With their permission of course.

7

Here is a step by step detailed instruction. I like to use rooting hormone (Indole-3-butyric acid).