azalea wind damage

Dinah

It isn't the time of year for any sort of cuttings as far as I am aware, but I've had a lovely red Azalea torn in two by a falling tree, and I want to know if I can use any of the material for cuttings. I have a heated propagator, a window ledge, big pots if necessary. What stands the best chance, small leaf, nodal, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings? I would really like some of these to take in case the original dies.

Dave Morgan

If its a deciduous azalea, its the wrong time of year. I think I would try to identify the variety, and replace it.  Cuttings are best taken after flowering, taking a 6 inch cutting of the new growth in the early am,trim the top growth, and cut a sliver at the base of the cutting, a dip of hormone rotting powder, then potting in ericacious compost. Keep the cutting moist but not wet and keep the humidity high,(polythene bag on top) , and keep at about 20c with no direct sunlight. Regular checking is necessary as too warm, too wet will rot the cuttings. Rooting is variable from 20% to 90%.

If you dont like the idea then, the it will be easier to buy a new specimen. Try a specialist supplier,

 

 

http://www.rhododendrons.co.uk/

http://www.leagarden.co.uk/plant-sales/azaleas/

Plenty of others online, a good supplier/nursery will be more than helpful over the phone. You will need pictures of the plant in bloom for them to be of the most help.

Best of luck.

 

Dinah

Thanks for that Dave. It still has healthy leaves on so is not deciduous, but it has flower buds on it too. Would you recommend just cutting these out? I know it is all a longs shot for any of them to root, but it is of sentimental value.

Dave Morgan

If its an evergreen azalea, you could try layering, or air layering, see below

Air layering of plants / Royal Horticultural Society

Dave Morgan

It does take patience, but if it's that important its seriously worth a try and it's not difficult.

Dinah

Thanks for that, it is certainly worth a go, and there is nothing to loose by trying.

Tropical Sam

I have rooted them from just putting the branch into the ground and leaving it. As long at the soil is moist then you have every chance of rooting it. People keep saying that Azalea and Rhoddies are difficult to root, but that is not my experience.

Dinah

That's great! It is good to know it can be done. Thanks

Dinah

Just to thank everyone who helped with this - Two of the cuttings have rooted! I am delighted, delighted and triply delighted as I now have 3 lovely plants to treasure, and a whole lot more faith in things turning out for the best after a storm.

Dovefromabove

Dinah great news! It's lovely to read about successes and silver linings