Question
I have a couple of rose of sharon bushes.  I recently found out that you can start a new plant by taking a cutting from the old plant.  When can I take a cutting from my plant.  I would like to do it as soon as possible.  The bush is completely bare right now- no leaves or anything.  Do I need to wait to take a cutting when it has leaves on it or can I do it now?  When I do take a cutting how do I ensure it grows?

Answer
Hi Kathy,
You can take cuttings in the late spring and make the cutting about 6-8 inches long stripping off all of the leaves except the last two.  IF there is a blossom bud, remove that also.  Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and stick it about an inch deep in warm, wet sand.  Rooting should take place in about 8 weeks.  Did you know it is much easier to grow Rose of Sharon from seeds?  The only problem is if the Rose of Sharon is a hybrid the seedlings will not resemble the parents.  If planting by seed, plant 1/2 inch deep in potting soil, moist not soggy and germination occurs in about 10 days.  The seedlings grow very quickly.  I hope this helps.
Tom