Topic: Pyracantha cuttings

[star]

I have layered the only branch long enough propagate this way. I would like to take several cuttings, is it too early yet? Do they need heat? hormone rooting powder?

I would have used the berries, but the blackbirds ate them all :D

[GrannieAnnie]

I hope you aren't the one who will have to prune those thorny beasts, Star.

[calendula]

a cold frame in summer is the usual advice but I've always thought them to be as tough as old boots and will propagate just by being told to do so  ;D - brutes indeed

[star]

They are indeed beasts / brutes! But I want to create a safe place for the birds that visit my garden. I have 2 cats you see, and I do feed the birds.

They are also great as security, with crime increasing all the time I want to feel safer too.

Ah, pruning, yes they will get pruned very hard to thicken them up and they do look lovely in winter.

Thanks for the advice :D

[valmarg]

star, mother in law used to manage to root them, so they can't be that difficult ;D

I can't remember whether she used hardwood or softwood cutting, but its worth trying both.

valmarg

[star]

Thanks Valmarg, I guess its like most things, if you dont want them they grow everywhere. I'll be rough with them i think. Im sure they will get me back!!

[kenkew]

Great bush/tree for nests. I have put up no less than 5 nest boxes on the wall at the bottom of my garden in among the dreaded thorns....the only nest I got last year was a blackbird that made one in the middle of the beast!

[star]

Ah excellent Ken. Now thats what Im aiming for ;D ;D

[jennym]

They seem pretty straightforward to me, or maybe have just been lucky - to the best of my memory I took cuttings late spring, fresh growth with a little heel of previous years wood attached. No special treatment, just pushed hard into a pot containing half garden soil (clay) mixed with half sharp grit. I did snip off the thorns at the base though, to make them easier to handle. I think layering should work well too.

[star]

Im wishing I did all this last year now..............

thanks Jenny ;)

[bombus]

They are dead easy from seed, as are Berberis. I did both last year, give it a go, see for yourself.

[star]

I wanted to do seed, but the blackbirds ate them all :(

Mind you if I see any with seeds on I could ask for a few :D

[new potter]

i have a few berries left on mine if you want some

[star]

OOOH....Ive pm'd you ;D!!

[Lindsay]

Here they seem to grow wild! 

I have just managed to unearth three babies carefully - there are more - do you think they would survive being sent in a jiffy bag,  Star? - pm me your address if you do. 

Julie