Rose of Sharon - Althea

[Ann B.]

Rose of Sharon's have finished blooming and are full of seeds.

I started some cuttings some time back, and I have to tell you that this is one of the easiest plants to root. I do cut off the outer 1/2 to 2/3rds of the leaves and try to remove all flower buds.

Despite all of the seeds on these small trees, they never seem to be invasive here. I am not sure why because I have heard people from the north complain about them sprouting up where they are not wanted.

I plan to start lots and lots more of these, and Vicki, I have not forgotten that you want some. It's the teacher thing, but I promise next spring, I will ship you some.

Gosh! I miss propagating and gardening. Surely, life will settle down soon. Between Hunter, hurricanes, tropical storms and teaching, I don't seem to have much time left.

[Dazed_Lily]

Ann- I did a serach and found thsi post. I want to propagate my white Rose of Sharon.
What time of year should I do this ? Rooting hormone ? And how long should the cuttings be ? Thanks ! I'm realizing that I can save even more than buying on sale plants when I can propagate ! Saw potteds on sale at Wally World including ROS and said to myself , "you dummy you have a big white ROS at home and lots of other stuff-propagate them !" I was hurried past the sale plants today by lightening, went in the store and bought Superthrive !
Any pointers on ROS are most welcome as well as Buddleia(my neighbor has a struggling one on the property line and I could do a snip-snip without notice !).
Thanks !

P.S. I learned my lesson about searching the internet yesterday after Norton informed me it had stopped a high level threat/attack destined for hubby's website. Hubby explained that you have to stay away from those 'informal' sites as they are not protected ! So, I say 'search safe on Landspro!'

[Ann B.]

Cathy,

Rose of Sharon cuttings are EASY! This is a good time of the year because it is warm.

Take cuttings about 8" long (more or less is okay). Remove the lower leaves. It might help to slit the lower 1-1 1/2" vertically. Dip in rooting hormone, and insert in a hole in the soil mix then press the mix against the stem.

You can put 2-3 'nodes' under the soil level. Water well and place the potted cutting in a shady spot. Keep the soil moist.

Since it is really hot right now, you can reduce transpiration from the leaves by cutting off the outer 2/3rds of the remaining leaves. In fact, you need very few 'remaining' leaves.

If you have difficulty keeping the soil moist, you can cover with an inverted zip lock bag. Just remember that if you do that, you have to make sure that they get absolutely NO direct sunlight.

Let us know how it works for you, Cathy! You'll be a cutting expert before you know it!!!!!!!!!!

:cool:

[Dazed_Lily]

Great ! Thanks ! I will give it a whirl tomorrow(or as soon as I get a new packet of rooting hormone-I have some left but, my goodness, it has to get old at some point ! LOL!).
I have several baby junipers and baby lace bark elms that need herding and potting as well. It rained today--thank the Lord ! So, that means I am freed up to do some other things on my list like I just mentioned.
I will be so thrilled if these cuttings root !

[Dazed_Lily]

Plans were rained out but still planned. Here is the ROS at the top of my list(I own it and can take all the cuttings I want!). It's just not in the best location but the cuttings can be:

[txbeyer]

Hey Ann, Check this out. My variegated Rose of Sharon has been spectacular this year (in spite of 100+ degree days). http://www.southeasttexasgardening.info/gardenpic.jpg

[Ann B.]

Oh, Goodie!

I don't know what happened to the one I got from you, so we may have to do another trade (eventually).

It is really, really pretty, Bob! I absolutely must get another. Perhaps next spring?

[vicki]

Cathy,
That is a lovely ROS. I'm finding I like white in my gardens. It sure brightens things
up.
Bob,
That is WOW! I love it.

[Dazed_Lily]

Yay ! The cuttings are taking. They have new grwoth on them. They are from the supermarket/bank parking lot. LOL ! The flower is a big pale pink single with a raspberry eye !