Sunshine Ligustrum ( Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’) is a vibrant, golden-yellow evergreen shrub valued for its consistent foliage and adaptable, low-maintenance nature. Propagating this plant from cuttings allows gardeners to expand their collection or share them easily.
Best Time and Tools for Propagation
The optimal time for propagating Sunshine Ligustrum from cuttings is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. This period is ideal for softwood cuttings, which are young, flexible shoots that root readily. Alternatively, late summer to early fall suits semi-hardwood cuttings, which are more mature but still pliable. Proper timing improves the success rate of root development.
Essential tools include sharp pruning shears or a clean knife for precise cuts. Rooting hormone, available in powder or gel form, significantly enhances root formation. Use a sterile, well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of perlite and peat moss.
Small pots or trays with drainage holes are needed for planting. A plastic dome or clear plastic bags help maintain the high humidity necessary for rooting, and a misting bottle is also useful for consistent moisture.
Propagating Sunshine Ligustrum from Cuttings
Taking Cuttings
Begin by selecting healthy, non-flowering stems from the current season’s growth. Choose shoots that bend without snapping but are not entirely rigid. Cuttings should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as this area promotes root development.
Preparing Cuttings for Planting
Once cuttings are taken, remove all leaves from the lower half to two-thirds of each stem. This prevents excessive moisture loss and reduces the risk of rot. Lightly score the bark at the base of the cutting to encourage root emergence. Dip the cut end of each prepared cutting into rooting hormone, ensuring even coverage.
Planting Cuttings
Fill pots or trays with the sterile, well-draining propagation mix. Create a small hole for each cutting using a tool to avoid rubbing off the rooting hormone. Carefully insert each cutting into the prepared hole, ensuring at least two leaf nodes are buried. Gently firm the soil around the base of each cutting.
Initial Care for New Cuttings
After planting, water the cuttings thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Place them in a location that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch tender foliage.
High humidity is crucial for successful rooting. Cover the pots with a clear plastic dome or enclose the tray in a clear plastic bag, ensuring the plastic does not touch the leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged by misting regularly or watering from the bottom.
Nurturing Rooted Cuttings
After two to three months, Sunshine Ligustrum cuttings will begin to develop roots. Check for root formation by gently tugging a cutting for resistance, or observing roots through clear pots. Once roots are established, gradually begin the hardening off process to acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions.
Hardening off involves slowly exposing rooted cuttings to increasing periods of outdoor air, direct sunlight, and varying temperatures. Start by placing them in a sheltered, shaded outdoor location for a few hours daily, gradually increasing exposure over one to two weeks.
This process strengthens the plant’s cell walls and prepares it for transplanting. After hardening off, transplant them into larger pots or their final garden location. Ensure the new site has well-draining soil and provide initial deep watering to help them settle.
Tips for Successful Propagation
Sanitation is important throughout the propagation process. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools and sterile potting mix to prevent disease. Patience is key, as rooting can take several weeks or months depending on environmental conditions and the maturity of the cuttings. Consistent moisture is necessary, but overwatering leads to fungal issues and root rot; allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Ensure adequate air circulation around the cuttings to prevent fungal problems, especially under high humidity conditions. Regularly inspect cuttings for any signs of pests or diseases and address them promptly. While many cuttings will root successfully, it is common for some to fail. Taking more cuttings than needed can help ensure a desired number of new plants.