Propagating Lord Baltimore hibiscus, a hardy hybrid hibiscus variety, can be done through division or cuttings. Both methods have their own advantages and can be successful in producing new plants.
1. Division:
– Choose a mature Lord Baltimore hibiscus plant that has been growing for at least a few years. Spring or early fall is the best time for division.
– Dig around the base of the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently lift the plant out of the ground.
– Using a sharp, clean knife or garden spade, divide the plant into sections. Each section should have a healthy amount of roots and several shoots or stems.
– Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil, ensuring they are at the same depth as they were before. Space them adequately, considering their mature size.
– Water the newly divided plants thoroughly and monitor their growth. They should establish themselves within a few weeks.
2. Cuttings:
– Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from the Lord Baltimore hibiscus plant. The stem should be green and firm, not woody or brittle.
– Using a sharp, clean knife or shears, cut a 6-8 inch section of the stem just below a node (a point where leaves emerge).
– Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top.
– Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth.
– Fill a small pot or container with a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of potting soil and perlite.
– Make a hole in the soil using a pencil or similar object and insert the cutting, burying it about half its length.
– Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
– Mist the cutting regularly to maintain humidity, but avoid overwatering which can cause rot.
– Within a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots. Once roots are well-established, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Personal Tip: I have successfully propagated Lord Baltimore hibiscus using both division and cuttings methods. Division is particularly useful if you want to quickly expand your hibiscus collection or share plants with friends and family. Cuttings, on the other hand, allow you to start new plants from a specific variety that you particularly admire. Whichever method you choose, make sure to provide the newly propagated plants with proper care and suitable growing conditions to ensure their success.
