You can propagate American Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus) through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late fall or early winter, or by layering flexible branches in the spring or summer.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Cuttings:
- Timing: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant.
- Selection: Choose healthy, robust stems from the current year’s growth.
- Preparation:
- Cut stems to a length of 4-6 inches.
- Remove lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone (optional, but can help).
- Planting:
- Insert cuttings into a well-draining, moist soil mix.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Provide a humid environment (e.g., cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome).
- Mulch around the cuttings to help retain moisture.
- Rooting: Cuttings typically root in 4-8 weeks.
2. Layering:
- Timing: Layer flexible branches in the spring or summer.
- Selection: Choose healthy, flexible branches that can be bent to the ground.
- Preparation: Make a small, shallow cut or nick in the stem where it will contact the soil. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area (optional).
- Planting: Bend the branch to the ground and bury the cut area in moist soil. Secure the branch in place with a stake or small rocks. Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Rooting: Once roots form, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
3. Seed Propagation:
- Collection: Collect seeds from the fleshy capsules in the fall, just before they split open.
- Stratification: Seeds require cold stratification (exposure to cold, moist conditions) to break dormancy.
- Store seeds in a cool, moist place (like a refrigerator) for 3-4 months.
- Sowing: Sow seeds in the spring in well-drained soil. Germination: Germination can take several weeks to months.