How to propogate my Cranberry Zing

[Bradley]

Charlie,

  I have to compliment you on some amazing 6in potted plants you sent me, very hearty and large. I usually have to prune back my plants when I bring them onto my indoor patio in the winter. I was planning next winter on grafting some of the cut wood onto several presidente hibiscus. The wood of the Cranberry Zing is so thick, about the size of a broom handle, I would have nothing to graft it to. Therefore I was thinking of prorogating it now somehow. Does air layering work with this plant, or should I cut it, put some rooting hormone on it, and stick it in a pot?

[Charlie]

Hmm, that's an interesting situation. Usually what we do is cut one or more of the thick branches, throw away the wood, and then wait for the new side branches to develop. These will usually be ideal for propagating once they firm up and start turning brown. There is still time to do that before next winter although it means sacrificing the blooms that would have come on the top of the thick branch.

I have never personally tried to air layer hibiscus but several people have reported doing so over the years. Another good technique is to use buds instead of pieces of wood for grafting onto a root stock plant. You can find "bud grafting" described in general books about grafting. I have one friend who has had good success with that technique and useable buds are abundant on every branch, no matter how thick.

I don't think you will have much luck working directly with the overly thick branches. It is possible to graft such wood and even root some cuttings but the odds for success are not high.

Best,

Charlie

[Bradley]

Charlie,

     I've actually tried some bud grafting with my roses, to no success though, I don't think I have steady enough hands. Anyhow, when the side branches start to brown and firm, what is your suggested method for propagation? Do you cut, root hormone, and put in water?  I have a bunch of hibiscus trees that have branches coming from the bottom that I always cut, now I think you may have given me an idea.

Brad