How to Take Rhododendron Cuttings

Many people are familiar with the type of rhododendron known as the azalea, a popular choice when giving a flowering potted house plant. Rhododendrons are also used to brighten the landscape, and prefers light shade and a warm climate. One way to start a new rhododendron is to take a cutting from a parent plant. This cutting is referred to as a softwood cutting.

Start Rhododendrons From Cuttings

There are more than 1,000 species of woody trees and shrubs that fall within the Rhododendron genus, including the tree rhododendron (Rhododendron arboretum), dwarf azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) and American rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). This may not be necessary if you have had a significant amount of rain lately. Select branches for cuttings that are growing upright and have a terminal bud at the end of them if possible. Dip your pruning shears into the sanitizing solution and take a cutting that is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. To increase the likelihood of successful propagation, you may wish to take several cuttings. Remove all but four to six leaves near the tip of your cutting. Cut off one-third to one-half of each of the remaining leaves. If the specific rhododendron variety you took a cutting from has needles instead of leaves, remove all branches and needles from the bottom 1 1/2 inches of the cutting. Gently move the soil around the cuttings after two months to see if roots are present; when the cuttings begin rooting they can be transplanted to a pot or outdoor location for further growth.