What to do with deciduous cuttings now that fall is here

2 years ago

I rooted some Dwarf Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) in early August using a new method for me, a homemade plant cloner with constant root aeration and misting. The test cuttings (along with some Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus) did fine. They were then transplanted into soiless medium. They have done better than previous cuttings (rooting hormone in soil.)

After seven weeks they look like the attached photo. You can see the large, dark green leaf of the original cutting. All else is new growth.

I'm in zone 6. What do I do about the upcoming Fall and change in light to have them ready for next year? They are under grown lights 15 hours a day.

I don't have a coldframe. Do I let them grown inside, under the lights until the spring (and not experience a season)? I envision much larger plants that might not fit anymore.

This is my first time rooting deciduous shrubs and the seasons-thing has got me concerned.

Thanks,

Charles

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
where are you.. big city name.. narrow it down from all of ny ...

if in the house.. i would start hardening them off outside..

and bare root them get them into native soil within a week or two

i would save a pile of mulched fall leaves .. and mulch them heavily.. in mid to late nov.. depending on where you are...presuming you have no vole issues.... i want the soil to stay cold all winter.. no mid winter thaw and potential heaving ...

since you have a few.. i might try wintering over one or two in the house.. just to see if it can be done,..

in other words.. i would try 2 methods.. and hope one of them will work ...

ken
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
put another way.. i understand they are you babies.. but zone appropriate plants are EASIEST kept outside ..let ma nature take care of them ..

you probably think its too late.. but its probably perfect timing to get it done....

ken
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nydepot
Original Author
2 years ago
Western NY state, zone 6.

And Thank You!
dbarron
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
In this case, Ken is absolutely right. Plant them, no one in their natural history ever babied them..they're well able to tolerate zone appropriate weather.

They will experience root growth probably all winter and ready to grow in the spring.