rhodedendrum cuttings

[alan47]

what is the best and effective way of taking cuttings from a garden plant to plant elsewhere in the garden.

Sorry for eny spelling mistakes

[Clanad]

Rhododendrun's can be a little difficult to propagate from cuttings, but with some patience it can be done successfully.  Select some vigourous branches from the top 1/3rd of the plant.  Cut with a sharp knife at a 45 degree angle.  Don't use pruning shears, since the can damage the area of the cut.  All utensils should be dipped in a household bleach and water (50-50) mix to preclude contamination with fungus, mold or undesirable bacteria.  The cutting should be 8 to 10 inches long. Immediately after cutting, dip in a rooting compound (here in the U.S. a popular brand is "Rootone) and place in a zip-lock bag to avoid drying of the cut area.  Fill the bag with a mixture of 50% sand and 50% damp peat moss.  Add water enough to make the mixture quite damp, but not runny.  Place the cutting upright in the mixture and place in a sunny area (6 hours minimum sunlight)... and just leave it alone.  It make take two or three weeks to notice small hair-like roots beginning to grow.  When they are quite visibile, transplant to your selected area, making sure the hole you use is lined with peat and loose soil.  Remember, rhodo's are an evergreen and as such like a slightly acidic soil.  You can add crushed limestone to the soil (even a little in the rooting mixture) to achieve the acididity they prefer.  This isn't as difficult as I've probably made it sound, but at any rate... Best of Luck!