I'm trying to propagate English Laurel. I need a super-fast growing hedge for privacy and can't afford to buy the plants. But I DO have access to cuttings.
Here's what I've tried so far: I'm using flat plastic boxes about 4 " deep with just sand in some and plant soil mixed with sand in others. I cut the little darlings off their mother hedge and let them soak up water in a vase for 2 days, then I clipped them off just under a "Leaf Node" and scored the bottom inch vertically with a knife then dipped them into rooting powder nad planted them into the sand. Some I cut from the bush in the Spring, and some in July. (I've heard Fall or Spring is best?)
But, I killed off about half of the cuttings because someone told me to and cover the whole bunch with clear plastic and make a sort-of "terrarium" for them because they love moisture. I only covered them for 3 days, but most of them died during those 3 days, (I think from moisture rot?) So, I took the plastic off them and pulled out the leaves and stems. I've heard "Good Drainage" is the key. But I water them before they dry out. They are on the North side of my Mobile Home. (mostly in the shade, except in the early morning)
I have just bought some Perlite and was thinking of using this in place of sand for new cuttings. Will it work, or should I mix it with sand too? If any of you has made successful rooted cuttings from English Laurel, your help would be very much appreciated! Help!
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Cyinda from near Seattle
