Grafting
as a form of propagation is used for a wide variety of
plants. There are may different techniques for grafting,
but, perhaps the most common form used on ornamental
landscape plants is called bud grafting or budding.
This technique involves
removing a single bud from the scion plant and inserting
it into a split in the bark of the stock plant. If the
cambium layers of the two are properly aligned, they
will grow together forming a single plant.
Budding is usually
performed when the weather is warm and the bark of the
stock will "slip" meaning that it is pliable. At this
time, it can be moved without damaging the cambium layer
just beneath it.
A T-shaped cut is made in
the bark of the stock and the bark is gently spread
apart. A single bud is removed from the scion plant and
this small chip is placed into the split in the bark.
Note: Make sure that the bud is inserted with the
topside facing upward or it will not grow.
Once the bud is firmly in
place and aligned with the cambium of the stock, it
needs to be secured with either large size rubber bands
or "budding bands" which are created specifically for
that purpose. It is very important that the bud be held
tightly to the stock for at least several weeks.
