ROCK GARDENS

Dwarf Flowering and Ornamental Shrubs and Trees for Rock Gardens 6

This is undoubtedly the most popular method of propagating shrubs in rock gardens. It provides larger plants in a much shorter time, and ensures that the new plants shall be true to type, which cannot always be relied upon when raising from seed. This method is resorted to especially when propagating dwarf, variegated, or rare shrubs. Strong, sturdy shoots varying from three to twelve inches in length should be taken. During the spring, summer, and autumn most shrub cuttings may be struck in the open, except the cuttingsof most conifers, and many other evergreens which always require the protection and moist atmosphere that glass provides. Cuttings inserted in the autumn remain inactive through the winter, and do not usually form roots until the following spring. They must, therefore, not be disturbed until the next autumn, when they may be planted-out twelve to eighteen inches apart in a nursery bed. There are a number of proprietary articles from which solutions may be made to help in the propagation of the more difficult cuttings. Division of Roots All the so-called "tufted" herbaceous shrubs, or those that throw out suckers from their crowns or base, may be propagated by division of roots at the time of year when they are best transplanted. Grafting or Budding: If the shrubs are grafted, this is usually carried out under glass (not while in rock gardens) between January and early June, but many of them may be grafted in the open in April and May. Budding is usually affected in the open in July and August. This method is usually employed in the spring or early summer.

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