Propagation Technique - Layering

Layering is an easy way to start new plants for the garden from old plants. There are several forms of layering and this one is very simple. Simple layering means to bend a branch to the ground and pin it down. Where the branch touches the ground, roots will slowly form. Then you can remove the new plant from the parent plant and replant it into the garden. The easy part of this form of layering is that the offspring remains attached to the parent plant as it roots and grows. The parent plant looks after the new forming plant rather than you. Plants that respond to this technique are Spirea, Rambler Rose, Forsythia, Kerria, Caryopteris, Lilac and many more.Start by removing the leaves where the branch touches the soil and cut a notch or split with a knife below a node. A node is a point on the stem at which a leaf or bud is attached. You can use rooting hormone if you wish. Pin the healthy branch to be propagated to the ground. I use a piece of a wire coat hanger that I cut and bend into a pin and push it down into the ground to hold the branch to the ground. Where the branch is pinned, I cover it with soil. This process can take several seasons to a year for the roots to form on your new plant. You can use dormant wood early in spring or mature wood in late summer.

After the branch has rooted to the ground, cut and remove from the mother plant and replant it to it's new garden location. You might want to try this form of layering to add additional plants to your garden.

The Creative Gardener