Photinia cutting

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I planted a photinia 'red robin' last autumn, and it is showing lots of healthy new growth. I would love to take a few cuttings for the back garden, but haven't got a clue how to do it. Can anyone walk me through the procedure?

[andy]

Pretty easy RM. They can be taken as standard semi-ripe cuttings throughout summer and early autumn.

Around july to august....and up to october, the new red growth will turn from being very soft to slightly harder. If you bend the new growth now (without snapping it !!!) it bends easily. If you do the same when the growth is harder....or semi-ripe, the growth is a little more rigid.

Choose a non flowering section about 3-4" long with a nice growing tip. Remove all leaves except the two top leaves and any that are in the growing tip. This should leave at least one leaf node which should be at the bottom of the cutting. Other nodes up the stem are ok.

Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting powder then place the cutting into a light, open compost such as a potting compost mixed with pearlite (50/50). Water in well then either place into an electric propagator or on a warm window sil enclose in a poly bag to retain humidity and moisture. Bottom heat is an advantage. You can also place outside in a cold frame if you wanted.

The cutting should root anywhere between 2 and 8 weeks depending on the variety and conditions.

Almost all shrubs can be rooted this way....hebes, euonymous, choisya, buddleia, lavender, rosemary etc etc.

I've drawn a quick sketch but photobucket is down at the moment so i'll post soon

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Thanks, Andy. That'll save me a few bob!