Best way to propagate Calluna vulgaris?

[Digitalis]

I'm looking to propagate some Calluna vulgaris.

I want to do it ASAP.

Am I right in thinking that semi-hard/hard wood cuttings 5-7cm is the best route to take at this time of year? Pop them into 3 parts sphagnum moss peat (!) and 1 part perlite?

Or are there better ways?

I have access to a commercial mist/fog bench!

Thanks!

[Digitalis]

[Tee Gee]

This link might help;http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Calluna/Calluna.ht

[Tee Gee]

Sorry that link was broken,try this onehttp://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Calluna/Calluna.htm

[irridium]

it's a bit late for them now. i've found them to be v slow growing in my pots, but i'll try the layering method and hopefully they'll take in the spring.

[goodlife]

Layering is far easiest method doing it if you only need few plants..you can bend some braches down now and put stone over to hold it down..draw soil over leave them be.
If you need new plants 'in bulk'..cuttings, I've found them being easiest from the new growth in late spring/early summer..but even then is is bit hit and miss to get them rooted...and its very fiddly job.. ::) I'm never ever going through that route again..last time it took me ages to mess about with them.. :-\

[irridium]

did you use Hormone Rooting Powder for your cuttings? If so, I'll have to buy some again..I was meant to this yr, but kept forgetting. Someone told me recently that the sap off Willow have some kind of chemical in it that helps cuttings to root. Does anyone know anything about this?

[goodlife]

Yes I did use rooting powder..but it is not absolutely necessary..the new growth roots reasonably quickly without it.
But if the timing and condition is not spot on for rooting...suppose it is 'safer' to use rooting powder.
Well the chemical you are asking is acetylsalicylic acid..which is same as the active incredient in asperin, and it is easier to grind one of those than stewing willow bark. I've heard people using it for all manner of things with plants..but..as for rooting.... :-\ ???

[irridium]

http://livingthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-and-homemade-rooting-hormone.html this is where i found it from. tho' i'm not sure if it's possible to try it out on sap at this time of year on willow.. i've got my eye on some lovely dogwood that i'd like to propagate..

[brown thumb]

ihave a load of soluble aspirins which my ex left behind kept meaning to return them is it possible to use them instead of rooting powder or have they got any other uses in the garden or home  sorry for kidnapping this thread