Question
We recently had large hail in our area in OK.  My Rose of Sharon took a pretty good beating.  I have a large branch that split off of the bush.  Can I root it in water and then plant it?  I would love to start another bush in my yard.  What would be the best way to do this?  It is a double flower.

Answer
Hi Deb,
Thanx for your question.  Unfortunately, the broken branch of your shrub cannot be used as a cutting as it is too large and mature and it will not root.  You have  double flower variety which says to me that it's probably a hybrid so you don't want to use seed.  You can take green wood cuttings, about 6 inches long and strip off all but the last couple of weeds and any bloom buds.  Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and then make a one inch hole in a pot of warm, wet sand.  It's preferable to enclose this growing medium in a clear plastic bag to retain humidity.  The rooting should occur begin within 8 weeks.  When new growth and leaves start to appear, check for a substantial root cluster before transplanting to separate pots.  Do not keep growing medium in direct sunlight but cuttings should get some kind of artificial light.
I hope this helps.
Tom