Root formation, bud growth and survival of ornamental shrubs propagated bycuttings on different planting dates

Semi-hardwood cuttings of Cornus alba 'Sibirica', Deutzia 'Mont Rose', Fors ythia x intermedia 'Lynwood', Ligustrum vulgare 'Liga', Philadelphus x virg inalis, Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldfinger', and Spiraea x vanhouttei were pl anted on seven dates from July to October in two years and at three locatio ns to investigate the effect of planting date on root formation, axillary b ud growth, and plant survival. Cuttings were planted directly in the held a nd covered with polyethylene. Generally, root formation, bud growth, and pl ant survival were similar both years and at the three locations. All specie s except Deutzia had relatively constant rooting percentages at planting da tes until mid August. For all species rooting percentages declined from mid August to October. Except for Deutzia, plant survival the following spring was constant or decreasing with planting date. For all species except Pote ntilla axillary bud growth and survival of cuttings planted in late Septemb er or October tended to increase while rooting percentages continued to dec rease. In all species there was a close relationship between axillary bud g rowth and survival. Results revealed that many roots per cutting accelerate d axillary bud growth.