On 16/03/2010 14:21, Timothy Murphy wrote:
Is this a reasonable time to take ceanothus cuttings;
and if so is what is the best way to do this?

I have a ceanothus bush or rather tree in Dublin
which provides a remarkable show of light blue blossom;
and I want to see if I can plant some children in Italy.



The RHS Propagation guide suggests taking a 4" heel cutting in summer.
Find a healthy sideshoot and carefully tear it away from the parent
plant so that it comes away with a sliver of bark - this is the 'heel'
of the cutting. Using a clean, sharp knife, trim the heel so that just
a short spur remains. This heel contains the growth hormones which
encourage rooting. Use a standard cuttings compost, and provide a humid
atmosphere (a clear plastic bag secured over the pot will do) to reduce
stress on the cutting. It is also important to shade the pot from
strong sunlight.

Ceanothus can be tricky to root, so take a number of cuttings. Although
it is not mentioned, you may like to try at least some of the cuttings
with hormone rooting powder.


--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay