This big thing was just a tiny stick 6 years ago. I had purchased an American black elder and planted where I thought it would thrive, knowing I would have to keep it trimmed. After a year it was clear I had it in a bad spot. I took some cuttings and proceeded to move it further away from the house. ( I like to let things get big and unruly tbh.) The original plant didn't survive being moved. It was sad. But, some of the cuttings were doing good! One in particular! Hope! So I planted it out late one winter. It's been about 6 years. This is it now. There is actually a smaller one next to the big one. These 2 together make a beautiful screen for privacy in the yard. And what a beautiful thing it has become. My neighborhood has several of these now, thanks to one mother plant. I was president of my garden club for a term and I sold several at our plant sale. I love gifting plants as well. So when I see one locally I like to think I'm somehow related to them. #propogation-rocks
Gorgeous shrub @Columbiariver !! I like the "natural " look with hedges too. I think they are much more impressive when you let the branches cascade and bend into arcs. I can't grow Elder here, too hot but I have Loropetalum "Jazz hands" which, although it has only small fringey redish pink flowers, the leaves turn from maroon to green with pink and white spots. I haven't needed to propagate any yet, but I have in mind to when I get around to filling in some perimeter beds in future.
