Using Rhododendron as Rootstock to graft Rhododendron can achieve the goal of fast growth and early flowering.
Use 2-3-year-old robust purple Rhododendron or Rhododendron as rootstock, 6-10cm from the top of the base of the rootstock, and use the grafting knife to cut a knife (about 1cm in length, 1 /3 in depth to cut into the xylem).
At the same time, the young shoots that have been lignified or semi lignified in one year with vigorous growth are selected as cuttings, the lower leaves are removed, and the top leaves are 3-4.
Each top leaf shall be shortened by 1 /3 or 1 /2, and then the base of scion shall be cut into wedge shape, embedded in the interface of rootstock, the formation layer shall be aligned, and firmly tied with plastic film. Then use plastic bags to cover the grafting parts and scions, tie the two ends with lines, place them in the half shade, carry out daily maintenance management, and do not apply fertilizer temporarily.
About 1 month later, through the plastic bag, we can see that the scion has grown new leaves, indicating that the grafting has survived. After 3-4 years of new leaves, remove the plastic bags in cloudy days.
Usually, pay attention to watering or spraying water on the ground, and cut off some branches of the Rhododendron at the top of the joint. After keeping warm in winter to the next spring, some scions grow branches again. At this time, all the rootstock branches are removed, and a rare Rhododendron is formed. If it is properly maintained, it can be rejuvenated in early summer, and buds can be conceived in autumn and bloom in the next year.
In May, 2-3-year-old (a little older) rhododendrons with hairy leaves, such as hairy white and yellow lotus, were selected as rootstocks. Vigorous top shoots of the year were selected on the mother plant, and some leaves were removed. The top buds were cut off with a grafting knife or razor blade, and then a knife was cut directly in the middle of the xylem at the top of the branch, with a depth of about 1.5cm.
At the same time, the healthy young branches of the annual famous species Rhododendron are selected as scions, the base is cut into a wedge of 1-1.5cm, the split part on the young branches of Rhododendron is inserted, the forming layer is aligned, and the joint part is tied tightly with a thin plastic belt of 0.2mm width, the plastic bag is put on, and the mouth is bound, but a little space shall be left to make it ventilate, and then it is placed in the half shade, and the maintenance shall be paid attention to at ordinary times.
After about 2 months, if the scion grows well and the leaf surface is glossy, it is the performance of cutting. At this time, the plastic bag can be removed and observed for another 1-2 days. If the ear is found to be wilted, the plastic bag must still be covered and removed after a period of time. As long as we pay attention to conservation, grafting in May will sprout new buds in the autumn of that year. As for the removal of plastic bags and straps, it can be carried out from March to April of the next year.
