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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Friday - May 15, 2009

From: Rochester , NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Propagation
Title: Propagating a magnolia by cuttings in Rochester, NY
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

How can I start a magnolia snip from my already existing tree, to grow another one from it, like a starter to pass on to someone?

ANSWER:

What you are asking is how to propagate a woody plant by cuttings. We have found a website that can give you much better instructions than we could. It will help you decide what time of year to take the cuttings, how to care for them while they are rooting, and how to transplant them. The cuttings will not all "take" so be sure and do several.

North Carolina University Horticulture Information Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings: Instructions for the Home Gardener. 

 

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