QuestionI have this burning bush that last year was putting out new limbs a couple of inches away from it's base. I was wondering if I could somehow remove them safely from the bush and plant them for more bushes.
AnswerDear Stacey,
Howdy, I'm "Coach Dave" and I work for The Home Depot and plants are my specialty.
The Burning Bush is usually easy to propagate as softwood cuttings using continuous misting. It takes them about six weeks to root with misting, but once they do they develop numerous small roots.
You will need some rooting hormone, sand or peat moss, large plastic bags, small peat pots or Styrofoam cups, and patience.
Start by cutting the new growth in a very steep angle (more that 45 degrees) and dip them in the rooting hormone.
Next place them in peat pots/Styrofoam cups in sand or peat moss only.
Keep them moist for at least 3-4 weeks and cocooned in the plastic bags to create a humid atmosphere.
By the sixth week you will have new seedlings with roots. These are ready for sunlight and the ground or larger pots to have better results.
When you first try this you will notice a percentage won't make take root. It is nearly impossible to have a 100% success rate, so keep that in mind.
Happy Gardening,
Coach Dave
