How to Start a Rhododendron from a Cutting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello and welcome to the fascinating world of rhododendron propagation. Here, flower buds turn into lush, colorful gardens.

This complete guide covers both the art and science of making more of these beautiful plants, so all gardeners can successfully grow new rhododendrons from their old favorites.

Find out how to pick the best flower buds for cuttings and the most important steps in the process. Then enjoy the thrill of seeing new growth come from carefully chosen cuttings.

This guide will teach you how to grow these beautiful flowers, no matter how much experience you have or how new you are to gardening.

To learn more about growing rhododendrons, check out my guide Rhododendron vs Azalea: How to Spot the Difference.

With their showy spring blooms and attractive evergreen foliage, rhododendrons make a gorgeous addition to gardens. Propagating new rhododendron plants from cuttings is an easy and inexpensive way to expand your landscape. Follow this complete guide to successfully root rhododendron cuttings for new plant babies.

When to Take Rhododendron Cuttings

The best time to take rhododendron cuttings is in mid to late summer, around July-August. This gives the cutting time to form roots before the plant goes dormant in winter.

Take cuttings in the morning when plants are fully hydrated. Use healthy, vigorous shoots from mature rhododendron plants that are at least 2-3 years old. Avoid any diseased or stressed plants.

Choosing the Right Rhododendron Cuttings

Not all rhododendron cuttings will root well. For the best success rate, select:

Semi-hardwood cuttings – These are stems that are partly green with some woody tissue starting to develop They root quicker than soft green shoots.
Stem tips or lateral shoots – The top 3-6 inches of upright stems or side shoots make ideal cuttings.
Leaves – Take cuttings with 2-4 mature leaves at the top to provide energy for root growth.

Flower buds – Remove any flower buds so the cutting directs energy to root production rather than blooming.
Length – Cut stems about 4-6 inches long. Longer cuttings are prone to disease.

Take 5-10 cuttings to improve your chances of getting several viable plants.

How to Prepare Rhododendron Cuttings

Follow these steps to prep rhododendron cuttings for planting:

Use sterile, sharp pruners or scissors to detach cuttings. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
Remove lower leaves so that only the top 2-4 remain. Trim any flower buds.
Optional: Dip the bottom 1-2 inches of each cutting in rooting hormone powder. This encourages root growth.

Fill small pots with a moist, well-draining mix like half potting soil, half peat or perlite.
Use a pencil or stick to poke planting holes 2-3 inches deep in the potting mix.

Planting and Caring for Rhododendron Cuttings

To plant and care for the cuttings:

Place one prepared cutting into each hole in the potting mix. Firm soil around the stems.
Water in the cuttings to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets.

Cover pots with clear plastic bags or cloches to create a humid environment. Secure bags but don’t let them touch leaves.
Place pots in bright, indirect light out of direct sun. An east or west-facing window works well.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry.

Remove bags after 6-8 weeks when cuttings show new growth. Gradually introduce to direct light.
Fertilize with a diluted balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
Transplant successfully rooted cuttings into the garden after one year.

Rooting Rhododendron Cuttings: What to Expect

With proper care, most rhododendron cuttings will form roots in 6-12 weeks. Here’s what to look for:

1-3 weeks: Cutting remains upright and leaves look healthy. Some leaves may yellow and drop. This is normal.

3-6 weeks: Small new leaves or buds form at the tip, signaling root production.
6-10 weeks: New top growth is visible. Gently tug on cuttings to check for resistance from root formation.
10-12 weeks: Cuttings should have an established root system. Transition to full light exposure.

Troubleshooting Problems with Rhododendron Cuttings

Here are some common problems and solutions when rooting rhododendron cuttings:

Leaves turning yellow – This is normal for the first few weeks after taking cuttings as plants use up reserves. As long as new growth forms, plants are okay.

Stems rotting – Increase air circulation and reduce watering frequency. Remove any diseased cuttings promptly.
No new top growth – Use a rooting hormone next time. Ensure correct moisture level and lighting. Discard cuttings if no new growth after 12 weeks.
Small roots but no top growth – Patiently wait for the cutting to push out new leaves. It can take up to 16 weeks.

Weak, lanky growth – Plants are not getting enough light. Gradually introduce to brighter filtered light.

Be patient! Rhododendron cuttings can take 3-4 months to fully root and establish. Proper aftercare ensures they grow into beautiful, healthy shrubs.

Long-Term Care for New Rhododendron Plants

Once cuttings have successfully rooted and put on substantial top growth, here are some tips for ongoing care:

Overwinter new plants in a cool, protected area for their first winter before planting in the garden. Shelter from harsh winds.

Transplant in spring after the last frost. Choose a site with well-draining soil and afternoon shade. Space plants 2-6 feet apart depending on mature size.
Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Maintain even moisture. Add mulch around the base to retain water.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced 10-10-10 or rhododendron fertilizer. Stop feeding after mid-August.

Prune only to shape plants and remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
Watch for common rhododendron pests like root weevils, vine weevils, and lace bugs. Treat promptly to avoid damage.
Some leaf drop is normal in fall and winter dormancy. Water 1-2 times per month if winter is dry.

Propagating rhododendrons from cuttings rewards your patience with beautiful free plants. Follow these tips and enjoy the satisfaction of homegrown rhodies!

How long does it take for a rhododendron cutting to root?

It depends on a lot of things, like the type of cutting (softwood or hardwood), the environment, and the care that is given, how long it takes for a rhododendron cutting to root.

Hardwood cuttings taken in the winter can take months to root, while softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer may start to grow roots in 3–4 weeks.

Consistent moisture, warmth, and indirect light are key to encouraging faster rooting.

Best Time for Taking Cuttings

The timing of taking cuttings is critical for successful propagation.

Cutting Rhododendrons in the Spring: Cutting softwoods in the spring is a great idea. Cuttings from softwood trees come from new growth that isn’t fully grown yet. These cuttings tend to root quickly and easily, but they are more fragile and need to be handled with more care.

Cuttings from Rhododendrons in the Winter: You can take hardwood cuttings from rhododendrons in the winter. These come from mature stems that are made of wood and are stronger than softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings, on the other hand, may need a more controlled environment, like a greenhouse, and may take longer to root.

Propagating Rhododendron from Cuttings

FAQ

Will rhododendron cuttings root in water?

While propagating rhododendrons in water is less common than soil propagation, it can be done by placing the freshly cut stems in a container of water.

How do you take a cutting from a rhododendron?

Step 1: In summer, take a number of herbaceous cuttings. Cut a one-year-old, non-woody side shoot off the old wood and remove its bottom leaves. Step 2: Fill a small pot with cutting compost and make a narrow hole in it. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting powder before pushing it deep into the hole.

Can you root a rhododendron from a branch?

1) Most rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas may be propagated from stem cuttings. Cuttings are usually taken in the early fall from new growth that is just beginning to harden off.

How do you encourage the roots to grow from cuttings?

Auxin, a naturally occurring plant hormone, stimulates root formation. Several synthetic forms of auxin are sold as “rooting hormone.” Though some plants will root readily without treatment, application of rooting hormone to the base of the cutting will often improve your chance for success.

How do you grow rhododendrons from cuttings?

To successfully grow rhododendrons from cuttings, you will need to gather the following materials: A sharp, sterile knife or pruning shears. A rooting hormone, such as a powder or liquid solution. A potting mix specifically formulated for rhododendrons, or a mixture of equal parts perlite and peat moss. A pot or other container with drainage holes.

How do you propagate a rhododendron?

The following steps will guide you through propagating your own rhododendron: 1. Start by pruning off healthy stem cuttings from the parent plant about 4–6 inches long with just two leaves attached at the top of the cutting (the remaining leaf should be removed). Cuttings taken from terminal shoots tend to root better than lateral shoots.

How do you root a rhododendron?

Take cuttings from new rhododendron growth, which is a few months old. These stems are considered semi hardwood, and are best for rooting success. Cut below a leaf node. Shave a thin slice of bark at the bottom of each cutting, up one inch on both sides of the stem. Dip into rooting hormone, and plant.

How do Rhododendrons grow?

Cuttings are taken from mature stems of the plant while layering involves bending a low-growing branch down until it touches the soil surface and then covering it with soil so that new roots will form at the bend point. Here’s how you can propagate your own rhododendron plants: To take cuttings from an existing rhododendron bush: