How to Grow a New Azalea From Another One

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are a large family of evergreen or deciduous flowering shrubs that thrive in areas of partial shade and fertile, acidic soil. The shrubs come in a range of sizes and flower colors. Azaleas bloom from spring and all through summer, earning them a spot as among the most popular flowering shrubs, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Evergreen varieties help keep color in the gardens during winters. It is easy to grow a new azalea from an existing plant with the help of softwood cuttings.

Shallow plastic box
Unmilled sphagnum moss
Softwood cuttings
Sharp scissors
Rooting medium
Small pots
Potting soil
Large plastic bag
Rubber band

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 16- by 9-inch, 6-inch-deep plastic box halfway with moist, unmilled sphagnum moss. This is different than peat moss and can be bought at any garden supply store. Fill a plastic cup with an inch of rooting medium.
- 2
  Take three or four, 4-inch-long softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are the current year's new growth that has just started to harden a little but is still pliable. Measure from tip of the stem. A good time to take cuttings is near the end of May in most climates.
- 3
  Remove all leaves from the lower half of the stem. Cut the base at an angle and dip in the rooting medium. Insert cuttings in the sphagnum moss growing medium in plastic box.
- 4
  Cover the entire plastic box with a large plastic bag and close top with a rubber band. This helps keep moisture in to create a greenhouse effect. Place in an indoor area of high shade. Do not expose to direct sunlight. The cuttings usually root by late fall.
- 5
  Remove the plastic and let cuttings grow in box until early May. Transfer to small individual pots and let them grow for a whole season before transplanting to a permanent site in the garden.

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