Root Rot Scion

[Bradley]

     I would never usually cut hard wood this time of year as all my plants are just about to burst with flowers, but it looks as if Winter claimed one of my prize hibiscus. It was a 2nd year nightfire, the rot has claimed all the roots down to the plug. That being said, the thing has new small green leaves trying to grow. Rather than see it die a slow death, and since I had some success with grafting this Winter, I thought about grafting it to a cheap $5 hibiscus from the local nursery.

My question is the root rot systemic and my plant is doomed, or can I save it by grafting the wood?

[Charlie]

Bradley, you never know how this type of thing will turn out. Usually only healthy wood is worth grafting but in this kind of case might as well give it a try. If you can get a well developed garden variety like President you can graft several pieces on it at the same time, increasing the odds. It probably won't work but if it does you will be glad you made the effort.

Good luck!

Charlie

[Bradley]

The grafts didn't take and rotted faster that usual, but I could care less now that I've seen this Midsummer Nights Dream I got from you Charlie. WOW. I think it is a much more colorful and intense flower than Nightfire ever was.