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Rhododendron 'Rose Bud'

bjs

By bjs

23 comments


Back in May I posted several pictures of this dwarf double ,This is a plant I have propagated a number of times over the years and thought you might like to see the procedure.
Worth bearing in mind that while this is easy only needs patients, deciduous ones (Loose their leaves) are near impossible for the amature to succeed with.
First a reminder ..What it looks like barley 2ft high but spreads in time quite wide

Small heel cuttings trimed are fine ,I wanted a little propagator that was a bit deeper than standard ones and found a piece polystyrene packing that fitted my requirements scavenged the recycling finding a soft fruit punnet that was a good match for the top,it already had holes in it but covered most to retain the humidity within,
the mix was ericaceous peat and perlite


Ten cutting were added each with a small amount of rooting compound

These were taken mid June and been inspected a minimal amount of times this being to make sure they were not drying out,and in the last month a slight tug to see how many had rooted the answer was 8 out of ten .yesterday I decided to split my options and pot on 4 of them before winter

They have now been potted and the whole lot put under a larger propagator to maintain a degree of humidity for a few more weeks.

Now all I have to do is get them through the first winter and they will grow away , if the weather stays mild they may make a few new leaves soon that will give them a better chance of survival
Give it a try next year if you have a favorite ,it is insurance a good swap and fun.
Brian

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Comments

 

Thanks Brian. You certainly have plenty of patience! I have a semi-dwarf called Graziella which I really love. Maybe one day Ishall have a go.

12 Oct, 2016

 

Its nor surprising you wanted to propagate this one! an interesting blog. I did enjoy the picture of the rooted cutting in your hand - it made me feel all motherly...

12 Oct, 2016

 

You are so clever, I would not have the patience to do that but it looks quite easy, think I shall stick to daring to chop and divide up some Hostas this spring. Wish me luck. lol. just need to be a bit more daring with my gardening. Somehow think that I should have started gardening 50 years ago not 25. lol. then maybe I would have considered having a go. lol. not a brave gardener but getting braver each year. Actually started to move plants/shrubs around the garden now which was a no no until this year. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to teach us the tricks of the trade Brian great informative blog. :O)

12 Oct, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Steragram
That is an interesting comment I do treat them with a lot of care when handling them,suppose in a way they are my children.I have started there new life that will probably extend long beyond mine.
Brian

12 Oct, 2016

 

That was a good result, Brian.

12 Oct, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Siris was pleased with the amount that rooted,if we had had a very hot summer would have been less for sure.

12 Oct, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Oliveoil
I did have an early introduction into the plant world washing clay pots for an elderly lady with a small nursery in exchange for a few small pansy plants my delight was when I found they set seed and germinated,did not understand how it worked I was about 8 years old I think.
I had to work it out for myself no graphic internet then.lol

just occurred to me how many years ago that was frightening
B

12 Oct, 2016

 

Its obvious how you care for your "children" Brian! It would be interesting to hear what started others off in the garden. I was given a packet of Virginia stocks and a bit of garden about 18 inches square when I was not much more than a toddler. Best not to think about how long ago it was Brian.

12 Oct, 2016

 

You are very talented and patient to be able to do this. The end result is worth waiting for.

13 Oct, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Bathgate
I probably am patient with plants and animals less so so with humans who mess up.
I don't stand around waiting for things to grow so not really an issue there are always other things to do and occupy my time.To much some times !
B

13 Oct, 2016

 

Thankyou Brian for all that information and well done on being resourceful with your propagator - I love growing plants from cuttings - my most recent have been lavenders especially the French variety I have not tried to strike a rhododendron but have tried to strike a camellia but failed dismally - Jane

13 Oct, 2016

 

Jane - try again with Brian's method! good luck.

13 Oct, 2016

amy
Amy
 

A very interesting blog Brian well done with your many new 'children ' I wish I had seen this in June I would have taken a couple , to late now I suppose ....

13 Oct, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Jane the larger leaf ericasus Camellias and Rhododendrons are much more difficult I only try the small leaf ones.
Well done with your cuttings,Have never tried Lavender probably because it sulks in my garden not enough Sun and no Lime

Amy Light and moisture seem to be a factor in them rooting I was told By a gardner years ago as near as you can to the longest day is when to take cuttings of Dwarf Rhododendrons and Azaleas .

13 Oct, 2016

 

"Rose Bud" is beautiful.

I don't really do much in the garden. I have ideas which my Other Half sometimes follows,

We have a Spring garden so lots of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Magnolias. Don't think we have "Rose Bud" though I am forever fancying plants only to be told we already have them.

Must pass on that bit of folk/garden lore about the best time to take cuttings.

My father had the knack of making anything grow. He used to place a cutting in his pocket and then tackle it when he got home later that day. It always grew!

13 Oct, 2016

 

Well done......you have more patience than me.

13 Oct, 2016

 

A very interesting blog, Brian. I took photos of some mini-African Violets that I thought I would try & root. I've had some moderate success & I got some to root & potted up in small pots.

The big ones we buy in supermarkets, GC, florists, etc., are as easy to propagate as weeds!

I also got some Carnation cuttings to root during the summer - first time I've ever done them in summer, normally I put a few cutting in to root during the winter & usually have some success also. I've several plants growing & flowering on the balcony even now from last year's cuttings. I've kept the red Carnation growing for the better part of 12-13 years now! Obviously I'm not talking about ONE plant but the same variety I've taken cutting of every year & that have continued to grow on.

13 Oct, 2016

 

Beautiful little rhododendron. Worth propagating.
Good job and good success ratio. Thanks for sharing your knowledge .

14 Oct, 2016

amy
Amy
 

That's a good bit of useful info. to remember Brian ,Thanks ..

14 Oct, 2016

 

Correction.

Other half has just seen the images and says we do have "Rose Bud" in the garden. Stressed I was to tell you he has the WHITE variety also.

15 Oct, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Yes that is one I have on order called 'Glacier' if we are talking about the same thing.It will be coming to me from Cox in Scotland
Keep saying I will buy no more but still do occasionally not often.

15 Oct, 2016

 

Amazing rhododendron, Brian...
well done on all the propagation.

17 Nov, 2016

bjs
Bjs
 

Thanks Terra it is quite satisfying when it works,do a few fuchsias but that is instant by comparison with these.

17 Nov, 2016

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