does anyone know if cuttings can be taken from skimmias or can they be pegged. I have several in my garden and would like to 'grow my own'(so to speak).
You can take cuttings of this seasons growth semi ripe in early August. I always root my cuttings of this type in sharp sand, in a cold frame, they root the following spring. I think layering would work but I've not tried it myself.
Layering can be a slow process but because you have the main plant providing the growth the roots can develop on the spur at their own pace so are less dependant on the vagaries of the weather or greenhouse conditions like cuttings. With woody plants I always give them at least a full year before checking (skimmias may take up to 2 years) I look look on it as a 'peg and forget' method that is really reliable especially for otherwise difficult plants to propagate. For pegging I use 8G galavanised wire bent in a U then the last inch or so of the legs turned outwards. Scrape some bark off the underside of the branch to be pegged which sould be fairly whippy and up to about 1/4" dia. Bury in the soil with the prepared branch through the inverted U then place a piece of broken slab on top to protect it and prevent disturbance. Firm anchoring is the key to success as you don't want any wind rock damaging fragile new roots. Clearly mark its position and date so you know where it is when weeding or forking over. For plants requiring special soil conditions you can use say ericacious compost in a clay pot. Air layering will also work but the new plant growth requires as much attention as a hanging basket re. watering and light feeding. Much easier to train a low branch downwards and then anchor in the soil. If this is not possible you can thread a branch up through the bottom of a pot stood on a stool or table underneath the main plant. Vines are very easy to root this way. Don't disturb it other than trimming as required and just treat it as you would any other pot plant then sever during dormancy.
