Layering

Layering involves burying part of a living, attached branch in order to make it produce roots. This creates a branch that can be detached from the parent plant and planted elsewhere. It is a good technique for multiplying native plants already established in your yard. Layering is best done in early spring.

1. Take a branch of the parent plant and gently bend it in a "U" shape so that the bottom of the "U" is touching the ground. It should crack a bit at the bend; if it doesn't crack, nick it with a knife at that point.

2. Stake down the cracked– but still connected– branch, and bury the "U" portion in 3-6 inches of soil. Rooting hormone can be used on the cracked or nicked area to facilitate rooting.

3. After six months to a year, cut the newly rooted branch from the parent plant. You can then dig up the new plant and transplant it to a new location.

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