Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Malestroms Plumeria Grafting Successes, 1 by Clare_CA

Clare_CA wrote:
This is an old thread, but in answer to your question, yes, you can graft different cultivars onto an existing large tree; however, it may be difficult for the graft to take for a couple of reasons.

First, newer (green) wood is best because it is actively growing during the growing season, and you need that active growth for the root stock and scion to form a union. Large trees tend to have older wood which may not make the best root stock. A young tree would be the best root stock if you were to graft different cultivars onto it.

Another consideration has to do with growth habit. That multi-grafted tree that I have above that was grafted in 2006 with 11 different cultivars is now a much bigger tree here in 2011, and the growth habit of each of those cultivars is different, making for a very awkward and uneven looking tree. A few cultivars that are grafted on it are taking over while others are slower-growing and/or more compact and are hidden. I have realized that it is best to try and match the growth habit of the different scions for the best result.

The eleven different cultivars don't bloom at the same time either. I think maybe I've had three blooming at the same time on average.

I have several multi-grafted trees, and I've come to realize that I almost prefer to keep one cultivar to one tree for the best health of the trees, but that is just my preference.

Here is the multi-grafted tree today. Right now, there are three finishing up with another two or three inflo's still coming in. The ones blooming are Jeannie Moragne, Jana's Curly Pink, and Peach Glow Shell.

This message was edited Nov 9, 2011 11:29 AM