Rhododendrons fascinate in spring with flowers in every color imaginable. Two-tone colors in particular are becoming increasingly popular and are very trendy. If you miss such a magnificent specimen in your garden, you can either buy it or propagate it yourself.
How to propagate rhododendron?
Propagate rhododendrons using methods such as sowing, cuttings, moss removal, sinkers, grafting, cuttings or grafting. The choice of propagation method depends on the rhododendron variety and the desired characteristics of the new plant.
Rhododendrons awaken the passion of many hobby gardeners for collecting. Because the joy of successfully creating two or more from one plant is fun. Most rhododendron varieties can be propagated by grafting them. Propagating through cuttings is only recommended for certain rhododendron varieties.
The 7 most common propagation practices at a glance:
- Sowing
- offshoot
- Moosen
- Lowers
- grafting
- Cuttings
- Refine
Propagate by sowing – a long game of patience
Seed capsules that can germinate are significantly more voluminous than unfertilized ones. The fresher the seed, the more germinable and easier to propagate. Embedded in peat substrate (€8.00 at Amazon) with sand and perlite, the seeds germinate in the indoor greenhouse after 4-6 weeks, depending on the type of rhododendron.
But only after a year will you be spoiled for choice. Then you can prick out the tender greenery and accelerate growth through careful fertilization. The first flower buds will not form until after 2 years at the earliest. Until then you'll have to wait and see
Propagate rhododendrons through cuttings
After flowering is the optimal time to cut offshoots. Older rhododendrons with side shoots close to the ground are best suited for this. Select a side shoot and cut the bark about 15 centimeters below the leaf whorl with a sharp knife. Now place a match in the notch to keep it open. The cut forms wound tissue (callus). New roots will grow from this next spring. Now carefully separate the new plant from the mother plant without damaging the roots. Plant the newly obtained offshoot in a semi-shady place and water it heavily.
Mossing, sinking or grafting ideal for clones
You just want to clone a duplicate of your rhododendron? This can be done by removing moss, lowering or grafting. When removing moss and lowering, you cut a young branch close to the ground at an angle and lower it into a peat bed. As soon as roots form, separate the shoot from the mother plant.
Mossing differs in that the cut surface is wrapped with some moist spaghnum moss. Finally, tie a black plastic sleeve tightly to the branch at the top and bottom with a wire and keep it warm and moist. Now it's time to wait and keep your green fingers crossed. After 1 to 2 months, roots will sprout from the interface. Then cut off the branch and pot it up.
Grafting with rhododendron young plants as rootstock
Grafting with young rhododendron plants as rootstock requires some experience. Because species like the rhododendron variety Cunninghams White react differently to rootstock.
The stem diameter of the scion and the rootstock must be the same thickness. You slant both of them, press them together and wrap the finishing area with raffia. Place a plastic cover over the base that is in a pot and tie it tightly to create a greenhouse. If the pot is in a bright, shady and cool place, the scion will grow within a year. The fact is: not all wild species can be grafted or benefit from a more robust growing rootstock.
Propagation from cuttings or grafts
These are vegetative propagation methods using a plant that has the same properties as the mother plant. The ideal method if you want to propagate a new variety easily, quickly and inexpensively.
Basically you only take the head cutting from the end of the shoot. You break off existing flower buds. Trim the cuttings to hand width, remove the lower leaves and place them in nutrient-poor potting soil.
And what happens next? Overwinter rooted cuttings in the greenhouse and only pot or plant them out at planting time next spring.
Tips & Tricks
Whether you're a hobby gardener or a professional - if you want to propagate rhododendrons, the following applies: experimenting is better than studying. Because practice makes perfect and damage makes you wise. That's why I wish you a lot of patience and damage, but even more wisdom!