The forecast says rain is supposed to start tonight and continue through the weekend. I don't want to spoil anybody's outdoor plans, but I kinda relish the thought of a wet weekend indoors . . . maybe even in my quilt studio! And we sure do need a really good soaker of a rain.
Our Virginia Creeper vine turns a lovely red as the fall progresses and as you can see by the above picture, it's leaves have already started changing.I think I mentioned last year that this vigorous plant almost shuts out all light by nearly covering the one window in our tiny bathroom. As winter approaches and the leaves have withered and died and I cut the tendrils back, it's kind of a shock to have such a bright, sunny bathroom back again.
So here's a question for you. My daughter has always wanted to try to start some Virginia Creeper at her house. How would we go about getting some starter shoots from this mature, healthy plant? And what time of year should we do it? I'm guessing spring would be the best time? Possibly summer? Should I cut off some vine ends and root them in water? Help! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
9 comments:
I love that picture! I always want to have climbing plants, but Mr. Handsome, the carpenter, always vetoes them. I don't know how to root them, but I suspect that shoots in a clear jar of water on a window sill might do the trick.
i sure think putting piece in water would be worth a try. I've started plants that way. You could then put it in a pot inside until the weather warms up.
Mama JJ - Happy Birthday, dear blogger friend! Thirty-four years old? You can't talk about getting old yet. I'm three times your age. No, wait . . . I think it's more like four times. Anyway, I wish you a wonderful year ahead with more time in it for yourself And keep on blogging. You have a gift for writing.
Hi, Beth - I never thought about rooting the Virginia Creeper and then potting it up for safe keeping inside over winter. Good idea! Thanks.
I do know that Virginia Creeper is a pretty hardy, aggressive plant, so I think propagation shouldn't be too difficult. If you want you can get some quick rooting compound and dip the cut stem in before putting it in water.
MamaPea, the vine is lovely! We are very partial to our Virginia Creeper too. I just finished Plant Propagation class the other day and I would say to root several cuttings in the spring, but dip them in rooting hormone and put in soil or mix, you will get better results and a healthier cutting than if you do it in water. Good luck!
Hi, Jo - Thanks for the tip. I'll go with the rooting compound for sure.
Erin - So glad you're into your master gardener classes . . . we're all benefiting! I think waiting until spring will be way I'll go on starting some shoots.
Thanks to everybody for the input.
Hi Mama Pea,
Virginia Creeper is very hardy! I've always just dug up a smaller plant and stuck it in the ground where I want another one to grow and it's worked every time! Just make sure the roots are covered well and water often until new growth begins.
Ruthie - Wow, your system sounds the easiest of all! I think come next spring Chicken Mama and I will give it a try. Thanks for the info.
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