Starting a Pussy Willow Tree from a twig in the winter

I am moving within 2 weeks and want to take a cutting from a Pussy Willow tree that my husband grew and start it at the new house. It is winter here in Tennessee, zone 6b, and I don't know the proper way to get it started, or even if I can start it at this time of the year. He started his from a twig planted in the ground and now 10 years later, it is 10 feet tall and extremely healthy.
Does anyone have any thoughts on how to safely get this tree started from the original tree? Waiting until spring is not a option, unless it can be put in water until it warms up or something similar. Suggestions anyone?

I have the same dilemna with a climbing rose bush...thoughts?

This message was edited Jan 11, 2012 10:16 AM

My first thought is to cut a number of young twigs from the tree, wrap them in a plactic bag and put them in the refrigerator or freezer or try both. When it's spring, plant them in the ground.

Take a few cuttings and try rooting a variety of ways, in water, use rooting hormone and put in soil, etc

For the climbing rose bush, I would cut it way back and dig it up if that is at all possible.

Thank you one and all for your responses...I will definitely try something from your suggestions or maybe one of each. I cannot move without taking a piece of this beloved willow tree, and ditto on the rose bush. Thank you DG members and the website in general for allowing us to have this forum to share ideas and suggestions!

Hi femluc, you are in luck as to the time you have to take your cuttings from both your plants, both the rose and willow (Salix) are propagated from October- March.
Take pencil thick stems about (9 inch-12 inch long) these are hardwood cuttings, cut just below a bud) make sure the cut is not rough or ragged, insert the cuttings in damp/moist soil in the nursery beds or, in your case tall pot for transporting them.
I would tie about 6-8 willow cuttings together and sink them into the soil, each cutting will support each other till rooted, as for the Roses plant as individual cuttings around the outer edge of the pots and bury them about 6 inches or more into the soil, by march you should see tiny little green / brown buds grow at the sides, don't disturb till you know for sure there are roots forming ands IF you do take them from the pot, be very careful as the roots are very, very delicate. By 8-12 months the cuttings should be ready to plant out on their own. good luck. WeeNel.

WeeNel, thank you for your ideas on the willow tree and rose bush. I have a great garden space at the new house to use for my flowers, shrubs, and of course, the rose bush. I am looking forward to seeing the weather warm up a bit and get my hands dirty. Thank you all for your suggestions and ideas.

Your welcome and hope your move goes without any hitches, Good luck. WeeNel.