Root formation, bud growth and survival of ornamental shrubs propagated by cuttings on different planting dates

Abstract

SummarySemi-hardwood cuttings of Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, Deutzia ‘Mont Rose’, Forsythia × intermedia ‘Lynwood’, Ligustrum vulgare ‘Liga’, Philadelphus × virginalis, Potentilla fruticosa ‘Goldfinger’, and Spiraea × vanhouttei were planted on seven dates from July to October in two years and at three locations to investigate the effect of planting date on root formation, axillary bud growth, and plant survival. Cuttings were planted directly in the field and covered with polyethylene. Generally, root formation, bud growth, and plant survival were similar both years and at the three locations. All species except Deutzia had relatively constant rooting percentages at planting dates until mid August. For all species rooting percentages declined from mid August to October. Except for Deutzia, plant survival the following spring was constant or decreasing with planting date. For all species except Potentilla axillary bud growth and survival of cuttings planted in late September or October tended to increase while rooting percentages continued to decrease. In all species there was a close relationship between axillary bud growth and survival. Results revealed that many roots per cutting accelerated axillary bud growth.