Shrub Propagation by Soil Layering: Simple Summer Technique

Summer is great for propagating favorite shrubs by rooting stems underground. One of the simplest, fast, efficient ways to multiply a shrub.

Look for long shoots that can bend to touch ground. Measure 8–12 inches back from tip, dig narrow trench under that area. Scrape outer bark from shoot for 1–2 inches with dull kitchen knife. Sprinkle rooting hormone (Rootone) on injury, lay in trench. A few leaves should emerge from trench end. Cover with moist earth, place brick on top to keep buried. Orange ribbon on brick reminds you where you worked.

In two months, cut stem connecting to mother plant. In November, stem fully rooted underground, transplantable.

SOIL LAYERING (Hank Bruno's Method)

Hank Bruno, trails manager at Callaway Gardens, taught me a quick way to root plants where they grow. When he sees a beautiful azalea or notable shrub, he bends branch to touch earth 12 inches back from tip. Using pocket knife blade or stone, gently scrapes branch where it touches soil. Mounds fistful of dirt over wound, places brick to hold it down.

By spring, roots formed from wound; Hank clips baby plant from mother, transplants into gallon pot.