Hibiscus: Fancy Hibiscus, 0 by DavidFranzman

DavidFranzman wrote:
Yep, that's right! It depends on the variety. Root whatever varieties you want. If they take and root that's one test. Then see if the roots grow out and the cutting turns into a vigorous plant...that's the second test. One cutting of a variety is not a good test. To really know you have to produce a lot of cuttings but for enthusiasts who cares just give it a try.

The garden variety hibiscus root easily. Those are the ones you commonly get at your local big box store like Home Despot. The exotic hybrids known as cultivated varieties or cv's are the ones that can cause a problem propagating on their own roots. Some of these varieties even grafted are a huge challenge to grow. In actuality most of the cv's will root but again some of our favorites will not or will languish on a weak root system.

Much of this depends on the cuttings you are taking. Take cuttings on healthy well fed plants and your take rate will increase greatly. Also the part of the cutting you should take from is that area where the brown wood is turning to green so you are taking from that transition zone. That does not mean that wood will not root or that all green will not but your better chance is that area of brown to green.

Last suggestion: (Sorry about the long letters) Start with varieties you know root very well like the gv's. Develop a system for success then start with the cv's. There's nothing like success to give confidence and you'll know if a cv fails you lessen the chance it was because of something you did.

David