How to Start Root Cuttings From Shrubs
You can expand your landscape inventory economically by practicing plant propagation from root cuttings. Seeds cannot propagate many shrubs; cuttings are the only way to get new plants. With cuttings, you use the roots of an existing shrub to grow a duplicate.
Things You'll Need:
- Shovel or trowel
- Garden clippers or pruning shears
- Fungicide
- Sand
- Gardening pot
- Dowel
- Clear plastic bag with twist tie
- Water
- Determine that the shrub is dormant. Plants will suffer less stress if the cuttings are taken during this period, which is usually in the winter. Shrubs in dormancy will have no new growth or buds.
- Clean all the root-cutting tools and make sure the clippers are sharp. You do not want to harm the "mother" shrub by spreading disease or mangling the root.
- Dig down to expose the root on the outside perimeter of the "mother" shrub. The outside perimeter will have the younger and more manageable roots. The best size for making a cutting is approximately the diameter of a pencil. Look for healthy roots; avoid dead or black ones.
- Clip the exposed root to a length of about 2 to 6 inches. Take several cuttings, but be careful to leave at least two-thirds of the root system intact for the "mother" plant.
- Cut the root lengths into 2 to 3 inch sections. Be certain to identify the top and bottom of the cutting. The top is the part closest to the "mother" shrub and the bottom is the farthest. This is very important when planting time comes, as the plant will not grow if it is not oriented correctly. One way to do this is to use a flat cut for the top and a diagonal cut for the bottom of each section.
- Cover the "mother" shrub's roots with soil and water thoroughly. Watering will eliminate any air pockets and protect the roots from freeze damage.
- Dip the sections in fungicide dust and plant in a pot with potting soil. The tops should be approximately an inch under the soil. Each cutting should be about 3 inches apart. In each planting hole, place a little sand to enhance draining; these small specimens can rot easily if kept too moist.
- Water the cuttings. The soil should be moist but not so wet as to be soggy.
- Make a miniature greenhouse for the pot. Place an 8 inch dowel in the pot as a support. Put the pot in a clear plastic bag with the open end at the top of the dowel. Secure the top with a twist tie. This structure will keep the plants warm and moist until spring. In milder climates with few freezing temperatures, put the pot in an area of the yard that receives good morning light. In colder climates, place the pot in a frost-free area where it will get plenty of sun, such as a window.
- Monitor the moisture every week. The cuttings probably won't need additional water, but if the soil does become dry, open the bag and water moderately.
- Plant the cuttings in the spring. The cuttings should be in the miniature greenhouse at least three to four weeks. If the cuttings have sprouted, make sure the sprout is above ground when planting. If they haven't sprouted yet, plant to where the top of the cutting is 2 inches below the soil. Keep the area moist, but don't over water.
By replicating an existing plant, you will add symmetry to your yard and save money. You also will know exactly what plant you are getting, in terms of height, size and watering needs.