Layering

Layering is a simple method by which plants may be multiplied. Moss

Roses, nearly all kinds of hardy vines, like the Wistaria, Clematis,

Honeysuckle, Ivy, and many others, are easily multiplied in this manner,

together with most of our hardy shrubs. Many of our tenderer plants like

Chrysanthemums, Verbenas, Heliotropes, etc., layer finely, by first

bending the branches down to the ground, and partially covering them

with sand or soil. Pots may be plunged in the ground so that the limbs

will not require to be bent much in layering them. In layering

hard-wooded plants like the Rose or Clematis, it is customary to cut a

slight gash on the underside of each limb to be laid down, just cutting

inside of the bark; this will arrest the flow of sap, and new roots will

form at this point. Where vines are layered, such as the Grape, a simple

twisting of the vine until the bark is cracked, will answer in place of

cutting, and we believe it is just as well. It should be understood,

however, that in layering, the entire shoot is not to be covered; a good

portion of the tip of the shoot should be in sight, and only the middle

of the branch be under ground, and securely fastened down by means of a

peg. All layering should be done while the wood is young; just ripe

enough to bend without snapping off, and all hardy vines and shrubs are

in condition to layer from the first to the middle of June. For tender

plants any month during the summer will answer for the operation. Most

tender plants will root in a month or six weeks. Examine the layers in

the fall, and if rooted, remove them; if not, they should remain

undisturbed for another season.