Cutting propagation

Most of the propagation by cutting starts from May to June. For cutting, young stems close to maturity should be selected, and the required length is about 12-15cm. Cut off the leaves at the bottom of the branches, leaving only the young leaves at the top, and then insert the branches into the selected fertile basin soil, with a depth of about half that of the branches. After planting, attention should be paid to maintaining the moisture of the soil, which can take root and grow in about two months

Strip propagation

Layering is usually carried out in April and may in spring. Select the mature branches that have been for two or three years, peel the bark out of a 1.5cm wide ring with a knife at a place about 20cm from the top, and then wrap and press the strips with fresh-keeping film. Pay attention to keep the soil moist during growth. New roots can grow in about four to five months. After cutting off the roots, they can be planted directly in pots

Grafting propagation method

If grafting is selected for breeding, it should be carried out in the rainy season. Generally, two-year-old robust hairy Rhododendron should be selected as rootstock, and then the young branches of vigorous Western Rhododendron should be used as scions. Trim the scion branches, keep the young leaves at the top, and cut the bottom into a wedge. Cut a cut about 3cm long on the rootstock, then insert the scion branches, bind the interface tightly, and pay attention to keep it wet during the period. The new branches can survive in about two months

Seeding propagation method

The Western Rhododendron is usually sown in April in spring, and the temperature is 22-24 ℃. Before sowing, pay attention to disinfecting the soil. The seeds of Western Rhododendron are relatively small. After sowing, there is no need to cover the soil, just press it gently. It can germinate in about half a month, but the growth rate of seedlings is relatively slow. When the new seedlings grow two leaves, they can be transplanted. Weak acid sandy soil with soft, fertile and good drainage shall be used for transplantation. Rotten soil, mixed culture soil and coarse sand can be fully mixed as the matrix. Pay attention to maintaining the water supply of the soil layer during the growth of seedlings. It should be noted that it takes four to five years for the Western Rhododendron to blossom. If you want the Western Rhododendron to bloom as soon as possible, it's better to use other methods for reproduction