RE: Propagation issue

Hi Fran,

I would recommend against planting the tree deeper, as that seems to me to
be a good way of encouraging rot at the root-crown area. If I were you, I'd
try the cuttings--perhaps try both softwood in June and a set of dormant
hardwood twigs next winter? I suspect that difficulty in getting cuttings to
take may be the main reason that the propagators have grafted these trees,
or perhaps the unusual varieties have unusual soil requirements and grafting
them onto more adaptable rootstock increases their chance of surviving.

Have fun! I love trying cuttings of stuff. Still trying to get an Osmanthus
fragrans aurianticus to take successfully...any hints?

Cheryl
Santa Clara, California

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-medit-plants@ucdavis.edu [o*@ucdavis.edu]
On Behalf Of Francisco J. de la Mota
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:07 AM
To: Medit-Plants
Subject: Propagation issue


Hello,

This is a propagation issue rather than a Med-gardening subject.

I have a small collection of unusual trees, mostly maples (yes, I am one of 
those crazy collectors). Recently I purchased a few aditions and, even 
though they are the straight species (Acer maximowiczii, Acer pentaphyllum 
and Acer pauciflorum), they are grafted onto A. pensylvanicum, A. 
pseudoplatanus and A. palmatum respectively. I understand this is a common 
procedure with rare trees of which viable seed is hardly available and it 
also ensures you propagate the true species and not something hybrid if the 
seed is garden collected. I don't mind grafted plants if it is a cultivar, 
but I particularly don't like grafted plants in the case of straight species

because then it seems it is only "half a plant". In situations when the 
rootstock has a very different bark color and texture than that of the 
scion, it makes for an ugly graft and the tree does not have its natural 
flair right above the ground.

So, does anybody know what are the chances for the scion to produce roots of

its own if I plant the grafted plant deeper into the soil so the graft is 
underground? I know this is a horticultural aberration, for a plant needs to

be planted at the right depth, but I have seen grafted fruit trees planted 
too deep get roots of their own above the graft and live healthy and happy 
for a long time. Besides, my soil is fairly good and I think the plant won't

be any hardier grafted than on its own roots.

On the other hand, what are the chances for rooting with hormones sofwood 
cuttings to be taken this June?

Thank you for your help.

Fran
Madrid, Spain
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