Question
QUESTION: Can I root hardwood cuttings of forsythia,spirea and leucothoe outdoors in Clayton, N.C.? Is there a need to regulate temperature as well as humidity for cuttings taken in late winter? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Jay

ANSWER: Hi Jay,
Thanx for your question.  Here is a link that gives excellent instructions on taking hardwood cuttings.

http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/hardwood-cuttings.html

You will take the cuttings in late winter or very early spring when the shrub is dormant.  Taking cuttings from near the bottom of the plant as opposed to the top.  Pieces should be cut at the leaf node and no smaller than a pencil (in circumference) or larger than a finger.  No need to regulate temperature or humidity.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can I also root Japanese maples with hardwood cuttings, or would softwood cuttings work better? Also, is an intermittent mist system necessary for humidity? Thanks again, Jay in Clayton, NC

Answer
Hi Jay,
Thanx for the followup.  You can do hardwood cuttings with Japanese maple too but I understand that these can be tricky.  If you're making the hardwood cuttings and keeping them outdoors, misting is going to be hard to accomplish and humidity impossible to maintain outside.  Concentrate on keeping the soil well drained but hydrated.  I hope this helps.
Tom