Variegated Forsythia Sport - how to root cuttings?

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pamsaplantin Morgantown, WV(Zone 6a) Oct 06, 2007

I posted this message in the propagation forum but thought maybe someone here would have advice too.

I'm looking for advice about a cutting of forsythia. I have a single variegated branch on one of my bushes. I want to propagate it but since it is a sport I am afraid to cut it for fear of losing it. Today I put the end of the branch into a pot hoping to get roots w/o cutting it. But I would like to root more than one piece. Is there a way to root other areas of the branch w/o cutting it? I am afraid that if I don't get it propagated now cold weather might mess it up somehow. Does anyone have suggestions & has anyone else ever had an anomoly like this one?
Pam

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bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 06, 2007

You propagate the variegated branch just the way you would propagate a green branch. Rooting may take longer because there isn't as much chlorophyll in the leaves. If the sport is completely lacking the chlorophyll, then the cutting will not survive as that branch isn't capable of producing its own food and is totally dependent on the mother plant.
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Trees/propagat.htm

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pamsaplantin Morgantown, WV(Zone 6a) Oct 07, 2007

Thanks. I've only done cuttings on a few simple things that I stuck in dirt & they grew. I see several different methods listed on PF for propagation of forsythia that I am not familiar with - "By simple layering By tip layering By serpentine layering By stooling or mound layering". I have a vague idea of what these are but would like clarification. I'm new to DG so maybe there is a source for such info that I am unaware of.

Post #4056741
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bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 07, 2007


Pam,
Simple layering:
During the dormant winter period, select a healthy, pliable stem and bend it down towards the ground. Make a diagonal cut part way through the stem, then peg the stem to the ground. Now wait, it may take some time to root, it may be a few weeks, or even months.

Once a healthy root system has developed, snip the stem attaching the new plant to it’s parent.
This website describes the different ways to air layer:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23021830.tip.html

Post #4056878
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pamsaplantin Morgantown, WV(Zone 6a) Oct 07, 2007

Thanks! That site was just what I wanted. Bookmarked it.

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