I had a beautiful bush identified on here and would love to start new slips and was wondering if it is possible and if so, how to do it to produce the best slips. The bush was idendified as a Purple Smoking Bush or (Cotinus Coggygria) Also this is a very fast growing bush, what is the best way to trim it back?
I'm not sure that Smoketree cuttings will root in water. Most references agree that it's a little more complicated. In general, softwood cuttings should be taken in early June to July, treated with 1,000 to 3,000 ppm IBA (a rooting compound), placed in a well-drained medium and misted frequently. The cutting should root in about 4 to 8 weeks. Then the rooted cuttings should be overwintered without disturbance and transplanted in the spring.
Hear is another easier method of propagation: http://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profiles0602/layering.asp
