how to start another rhododendron from an existing plant?

Answer 1

Propagation depends on the type of rhododendron.

Deciduous Azalea - Softwood nodal (cut just below a node) stem tip cuttings are used when the new growth is only 1-2" long. Use a rooting hormone. Shade cuttings as they are susceptible to scorch. Keep cuttings under mist. Take 8-10 weeks for root development.

Evergreen Azalea & Dwarf Rhododendron - use nodal (cut just below a node) greenwood cuttings. These cuttings should be slightly woody at the base and are taken just as new growth is beginning to firm.

Evergreen, large flowered Hybrids - use semi-ripe nodal (cut just below a node) cuttings. These are typically taken mid-summer. Select a vigorous shoot. Remove the tips and cut the large leaves to 1/2 their normal size. Wound the cutting and apply a rooting hormone. Use bottom heat. 10-15 weeks to produce roots.

You can also hand pollinate & collect the seeds. Sow seeds on to an ericaceous soil mix. Do not let seeds dry; use mist. Again, bottom heat helps germination success.

Layering can be used to propagate the large flowered evergreen Rhododendron & deciduous Azaleas. It is not a recommended propagation technique for the dwarf Rhododendron species nor the evergreen Azaleas.

Answer 2

you can take a cutting about 3'' to 4'' of new growing, put rooting compound on the end and plant it in peat and sand mixture. i have two that i am growing from cuttings. there is another way, if there is a low branch that can touch the ground cover part of the stem with soil and place a rock on it to keep it down and it should root also.

Answer 3

Gram used to weigh down one of the lower branches with a pile of dirt and water it a lot. It would start rooting, then you could cut it from the main plant and dig it up and move it.