Directly in the ground with no roots? Without roots, the cutting doesn't have a way to 'drink'. Granted some might root this way, but I haven't had much success like that.

Try this link

Here is a link that might be useful: cuttings of salvia greggii...

Yes, with no roots. Isn't that what a cutting is? There are two nodes in the soil with the leaves stripped off.

Thanks for the link. I think I've done what is suggested there. My real question is about what to expect next. Should the cutting look fresh and vibrant, or will it sag? Should the leaves stay green or will they brown and fall off?

The leaves probably will fall off. The plant gets rid of foliage it can't support in times of stress. I'd keep some kind of cover over it not only to shade it, but for humidity as well. Maybe a jug or 2 liter bottle?

Thanks

I tried olive tree cuttings last year and I stripped off all the leaves but one, and cut that one in half. I dipped the end in rooting hormone, and stuck them both in the ground.

It took about a month to see new leaves forming. This year they are both growing like crazy! They were in the shade, and now I plan to dig them up carefully, put them in pots in partial shade, and on a drip system so they will always have water.

Hello! I have a well rooted honeysuckle vine (5 inches tall) and a well rooted night jasmine vine (8 inches tall)- Does anyone have experience with cuttings that may be able to tell me how long it takes for a cutting to be old enough/large enough to bloom?
Thanks for listening!

Go to your public library and check out the book called Plant Progagation by Amercian Horticultural Society's editor-in-chief Alan Toogood. It is a great book with lots of pictures showing you how plus simple instructions. I ordered one for myself from Amazon.com. Retail price is $35 but I think I bought it for around $18 or $20. It tells and shows you step-by-step instructions/along with detailed photos of how to take and grow more plants through cuttings,etc. It is well worth the money but check your library copy out first, so you can see what it is like. It'll become your plant Bible. You can spend hours looking at his book. I have so many pink page stickys in mine right now. There are other books on propagation at your libray but I think this beats the others by a long shot.

Scott, If you put the cutting in a pot, I'd recommend placing the entire pot into a large plastic bag that you can seal up, What you are trying to do is create a miniature hothouse with fairly controlled humidity. Keep this out of direct sun though. If it is in the ground, you can do something similar with a large inverted glass jar, or ever a translucent plastic container. Just remember that the temperature under the container may get too hot, adn you'll want to allow for some air circulation.