Ceanothus propagation trials results

Hello Everyone:
I have excerpted and attached part of a paper that reported the results of propagation trials performed by UC Davis Arboretum staff on some California natives that are considered difficult to propagate.  I realize that there are probably some species differences, but some of the protocols may still apply.   Here is what the excellent Dave Fross and Dieter Wilken book "Ceanothus" says about cutting propagation:
All Ceanothus species and cultivars can be propagated from cuttings, but some are very difficult.  Cutting success depends on timing; semihardwood cuttings from new seasonal growth following flowering typically yield the highest rooting percentages. ...Softwood and hardwood cuttings may also yield satisfactory results.  Softwood cuttings are quicker to root, more susceptible to fungal pathogens, and typically require a mist system to complete the rooting process.....Tip cuttings typically produce roots faster and yield the highest rooting percentages.  They produce greater uniformity and can be grown on to a larger container sooner....Cuttings are best collected in the morning when humidity is higher and temperature is lower, and processed while fresh.
This particular species in the attached file is a selection of C. maritimus that was available this spring at selected garden centers as one of our "UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars".  It grows about 4' high by 6-8' wide and covers itself in violet blooms in spring from the base to the tip of the branches, looking every bit like a giant purple firework.

Good luck and Happy propagating!
-- 
Karrie Reid
UC Davis
Staff Research Associate in Landscape Horticulture

Dept. of Plant Sciences, Mail Stop 6
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8780

530-754-4883 (office)

Attachment: Ceanothus propagation excerpt.doc
Description: MS-Word document

Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index