Contact John Negus by email address below
Email: amateurgardening@futurenet.com
When should I take camellia cuttings?
Q Can you advise me on the method and timing to take cuttings from my mother’s unnamed camellia that flowers in March/April time, please?
Phillip Mills, Derby
A I am delighted that you wish to propagate your mother’s camellia from cuttings.
The best time to take cuttings is in late summer when bases of side shoots are turning pale brown.
Initially, use secateurs to remove a healthy spring of new foliage. Then, using a Stanley knife or very sharp penknife, take 4in (10cm) cuttings of terminal shoots. Additionally, remove large leaves at the base of the stem.
