" The author of the text and photos below is the reader of the Recipe for the Garden magazine - Katarzyna Chyra from Żmigród. "
"In order for the shoot to take root faster, it is worth making a gentle cut with a sharp knife at the bend," advises Katarzyna Chybra from Żmigród.
I bought the first rhododendron bushes in a nursery. I decided to get the next specimens by myself.I propagate these plants in the simplest possible way: by layering.
- I prepare a place under the bush: I remove unnecessary stones, twigs and dried leaves.
- I dig a small hole, approx. 30x30 cm.
- I pour humus soil into it or a special substrate for rhododendrons.
- I choose the shoot that is closest to the soil. He should be he althy and quite pliable.
- I cover the woody part of the branch with soil. The end must necessarily protrude above the surface.The bent momentum is additionally pressed with a heavy stone.
- The mother plant nourishes the new seedling all the time, and I only water it with rainwater from time to time.
- I loosen the soil with my hands. I do not use a hoe, as I can easily damage the root system of the seedling and the adult bush.
After two years of rooting, I look at the pressed shoot to see if a strong root system has formed.Use a sharp secateurs to cut off the seedling from the mother bush. I dig it in for a permanent place.Such a young plant requires intensive care and watering.When it starts to sprout new leaves, it can be supplemented with rhododendron fertilizer.
I fertilize adult bushes twice a season. The first time before intensive growth begins (usually in March) and after flowering (June).Thanks to this, the plant grows better and uses its energy to create new buds that will bloom in the next season.
Propagation from shoots
It is good to propagate viable and vigorously growing varieties, e.g. 'Cunningham's White', from stockpiling. The best time to pick a seedling is spring. Cut the selected rhododendron shoot at the lowest point with a knife. It will take root faster. The placement in the dug hole is pinned with a clip.
