how to take cuttings?

skintbint_2

hi folks looking for a bit of advice, was looking at Laurel Bushes to make a hedge, is it possible to take cutting from an established hedge and what do i do? Is it the same with Lavetera(?) as i have one that is really overgrown (8ft)- how far back can i cut it.

thanks
Skint

savemoney

found this

http://brittany.angloinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?topic_id=55489


http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/articles/2008/01/08/propagate_feature.shtml

Laurie asks...

How do I take cuttings from my Laurel Shrubs Prunus Laurocerasus Etna and when is the best time to take the cuttings?
Bill replies...

Now is a good time of year Laurie to take cuttings from your Laurel - they need to be two to three inches long - cut just below a leaf node - and the bottom leaves need to be removed. Using a rooting hormone the cuttings can the be inserted around the side of a five inch pot - using a fifty/fifty peat sharp grit compost. They then need to be placed in either a cold-frame or under the bench of a cold greenhouse. They are however not an easy plant to use and it could take six to nine months for the roots to appear.

skintbint_2

thanks, i'll give it a try - does seem a long time for roots to appear but if it saves the pennies i can wait

Skint

laurel7172

Depends on your tolerance for an untidy hedge.

You can pretty much hack laurel back as far as you like, and it will infill. But it will take a couple of years.