Saturday, 13 June 2009

Stem Cuttings (PENSTEMON) 

This one is from Marks & Spencer PENSTEMON Amelia Jane €4.49

Tools:

Clay Pots/Compost presser/Gritty compost/Scissors/Knife/Dibble/Hormone powder/Plastic bags/Support rods/Elastic Bands/Labels/Propagator

Label information:

Penstemon, Amelia Jayne.  Create a splash of colour year after year.  Flowers: July – September.  Growth: height – 60cm.  Position: sun, borders.  Soil: Well drained, fertile.  Feeding: Late spring.

So,.. you are actually pruning the plant.  The side shoots will really begin to take off.

Clay pots are porous, they let the water in and out, so your cuttings aren't liable to rot

When you’ve got your cutting like this, you obviously cut it right under the leaf node,.. that’s the point at which the stem has the greatest capacity to root.  You don’t want to squash the stem,.. if you do that you reduce it’s ability to root,.. and then just peel the bottom leaves off, so you’ve got a clean base to the cutting

Then ‘dibble’ them around the edge of your pot (more air in the compost/better chance to root).  Rooting hormone powder isn’t necessary,.. but I like to give it every chance.  Label your cuttings.

From one plant you can get 5 or 6 cutttings.  Place support rods around the edge of the pot, cover with a plastic bag and keep it in place with a rubber band.  Allow 4 – 6 weeks for the cuttings to root

Ooooh NO !!!,.. not looking too healthy ! Maybe it's the poor peaty soil or maybe they need more heat,.. what can I do ?

Okay,.. invested in a Sun Tunnel from B&Q, and cut back the wilted leaves,.. I'm giving them every chance !