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taking cuttings of woody plants, buddleia

Autumnal cuttings of woody plants can be very successful too, the key being
to take them after the summer heat and  before leaf-fall. This was the only
method of taking cuttings which was commonly used in Ireland for years ...
the cuttings were taken in late August, tradition said to take a heel, and
there was very little science in the method, yet it worked very well.
Obviously if you live in a zone 3 climate this would have little chance of
success, but if you can replicate milder conditions by taking cuttings
indoors, don't rule out this option as it will give you another stab at it.
I would take a 12" cutting, skin three pairs of nodes, breaking into the
green under the bark to facilitate multiple rooting points. Take away most
of the foliage to reduce transpiration loss, leaving perhaps four leaves
... here the advantage of the cooler period becomes apparent....., dip in
rooting hormone, pot into sand and potting compost 1:1 ratio, and make sure
to get contact with the material, pack it in tight. People often pop
several cuttings in the same pot , putting them close to the edge, as this
facilitates pavking the material tight by pushing down on the bare space in
the centre of the pot.  
Mark Speakman 
Annaghdown, Ireland

"Had I the heavens embroidered threads
Enwrought with gold and silver light"

markspkn@iol.ie
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