Taking hardwood cuttings in the fall is an easy, economical way to increase plants through vegetative reproduction; the new plants will be clones of the original. This method is also the only way to propagate hybrids and cultivars, which won’t come true from seed. Grow an entire hedge with cuttings from one privet shrub, or reproduce cuttings from a favourite weigela or … [Read more...] about How to take hardwood cuttings
viburnum
In praise of ‘Summer Snowflake’ viburnum
One of the benefits of taking down a large tree in the front garden has been the increased sunlight for plants growing in the area. Everything is bigger and blooming with more flowers! One shrub that’s enjoying more sun is ‘Summer Snowflake’ viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Summer Snowflake’, Zone 6, 5 x 4 feet / 1.5 x 1.2 m). This is a doublefile viburnum, meaning it … [Read more...] about In praise of ‘Summer Snowflake’ viburnum
Early viburnums
The past two weeks of near-freezing night temperatures have made frost damage to emerging perennials a threat. However, there’s always a silver lining, and the viburnums love this extended cool period. I have four viburnums with perfumed flowers that bloom sequentially (one beginning as another is finishing), and their season started when ‘Dawn’ arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum x … [Read more...] about Early viburnums
