I have taken a small trimming from a Rose of Sharon and a Crepe Myrtle.?

Question

Any suggestions or tips on how to ensure their survival?

I have a small trimming from each (about a foot or so long). They are in seperate vases in about 2 inches of water. Inside my garage(not air conditioned) but in a window sill with sunlight aplenty.

What else should I do for them? I would like to plant them in the front of my yard as they both have beautiful colors.

Also, how long do you think it will take them to start to root, and when they do start, how long before I put them into a pot of soil? Or will I have time to put them straight into the ground this year?

Wow, about 4 questions and it only cost me 5 points!

Answer 1

Rose of Sharons are my absolute favorite! The best way to get them to start forming roots is to use rooting hormone. I use Schultz Take Root, available from Wal-mart, K-mart, etc. I don't use it exactly according to directions, although I suppose you could. I swirl the cut end in the powder, then gently place it a clear vase or glass with several inches of water. I repeat this every time I change the water (every couple of days). If you just keep them in the water, and change it regularly, they'll start rooting on their own after a while, too. The hormone just makes it go faster.
In a week or so, it should start having some good roots started. When it has at least several little roots coming out of the stem, that's when I transplant it into a good potting soil. If you're planting it directly in the yard, remove the regular dirt, and replace with enriched potting soil. This will give it plenty of nutrition during that crucial first year. I don't think it will make much difference if you plant it directly in the yard, or in a pot, whatever is easiest for you. You have to make sure it has plenty of sun, and doesn't get too dry.
I think if you get it to take hold and thrive this year, it will make it. I know nothing about Crepe Myrtles, but I know Rose of Sharons. They are incredibly hardy and resilient little things! I've seen ones that were sorely abused bounce back and thrive. Good luck, and enjoy!

Answer 2

I've appended a link below for propagation of woody stem cuttings. There are other sites w/ more detailed information. Type "rooting woody stem plants" or "Propagation of woody stem plants" into a Search Engine. The link I've given you has some basic info on moisture/humidity, temperature, planting media, rooting hormones and stem "wounding". Once you've planted the cutting do not disturb it, i.e. don't pull it up to see if it has rooted. It will take 1 - 4 months for the cutting to root. Don't expect to plant it before next spring. Then it should be put in a gallon size pot for at least a year before putting it into the yard. Patience is the prudent course. After the rooted cutting is in a the gallon pot use a water soluble, low nitrogen fertilizer - tomato plant fertilizer is a good choice - applied at about 1/4 the recommended rate every time you water it. Another "fertilizer" that is good for the plant is a product called Super-Thrive. It provides trace elements. Super-Thrive is available at Granges, nurseries and mart type stores with large gardening sections.

Don't be surprised if the cutting fails to root. Rooting woody stem plants has a fairly high failure rate.

Good Luck and Happy Gardening!

http://www.clemson.edu/hampton/local/pdf/stemcut.pdf

Answer 3

We have Rose of Sharon tree type bushes and we didn't buy any-they have seeds in the little brown pods after they bloom. I don't know about cuttings, but I can send you a few dozen baby plants.

Answer 4

This site will tell you all you need to know for propagating cuttings.
http://plantpropagation.com/propagatinghardwoodcuttingsofdeciduousplants.htm
Good luck