On the "plants for a future" web site they suggest encouraging arbutus
cuttings to strike by

"They are a bit slow to root and you often get a poor percentage take.
To improve this, try soaking some chopped willow twigs in cold water for
24 hours and then watering the cuttings with this water. The willow bark
contains root-promoting hormones and will encourage root formation in
the cuttings. "

Now there's a thought! Would this work with other cuttings? Not being
very scientifically trained I don't know if this theory has a basis of
truth.

I was thinking of trying it on other cuttings!

Janet
--
Janet Tweedy
Dalmatian Telegraph
http://www.lancedal.demon.co.uk