Nick it's best to layer Rhododendrons, find a suitable branch near the ground, make a forward cut on the underside about halfway through, take out a small hole, put a piece of flint in the cut. Peg down the branch behind the cut, fill the hole. Water in and firm down the soil. Next year it will have roots and you will have a new Rhododendron to plant out.

thanks for the reply. still a little unsure of what you mean. that's just me being a novice in the garden. what time of year could I do this??

Do it now Nick, you could try some aerial layers, which is choose a terminal growth and make an upward cut halfway through, about 6 to 9 inches down the stem. You may have to remove one or two leaves, cut a 3 inch plastic pot down one side, making a hole in the bottom big enough to fit round the stem, put this round the stem just below the cut with the piece of flint in. Fill the pot with spagnum moss and a mixture of general compost, hope this doesn't confuse you further, come back if it does.

googled 'layer Rhododendrons' and went on the gardeners world.com. they show you step by step with a few pictures. they say make a cut and then peg it down. they don't mention putting a piece of flint in the cut.

Hi Nick, the piece of flint will keep the cut open, if left shut the cambrian layer will seal the cut and no roots will form. Flint is sterile and has no absorbent properties.

is rooting hormone powder necessary?

If you are doing more than one, try a powder on one and not on the other. For my part hardwood does not absorb much of the rooting hormone, most of it is taken away in the surface water.

so is it worth using a powder then?

Personally I would say no, not on hardwood.

hardwood??? forgive me if I'm being a bit thick!!

Hardwood is a stem that has gone into secondary thickening to form a productive cambrian layer, which will make roots and occurs after 2 years plus. Softwood are cuttings only a few months old and require a propogating frame to grow, plus rooting powder.

where could I get a piece of flint from?

Knap a flint stone you wil find in your garden, other than that use a small piece of slate.

thanks for the advice I'm gonna give a a go.

Yes Nick, go for it, i'm sure you will be successful. If you need any more advice don't hesitate to ask.