Question
Hi, I live in Palm Beach county Florida.  Our crape mrytal trees and bushes do great.  My question is I have a friend that has a true purle color bush that I can't find anywhere.  She got it at a home show and I would love to take a clipping or something to try and start the bush myself.  Everywhere locally has lavender or lilac but can't find the deep grogeous purple.  Is it possible for me to do this and how?  thank you so much.

Answer
Rannah, it's not only possible, it is very simple to do. To replicate the exact genetic traits of the parent plant, including the color, you must propogate with cuttings.

Cut a tender shoot that is at least 4" long and has not yet turned woody. Wet the cut end of the stem and immediately dip it into a rooting compound, a product that can be purchased at most nurseries. Then place the cutting into a pot containing a fertile potting soil. Water the soil generously until it seeps through the drainage hole. Cover the entire pot with a clear light plastic. Check the soil weekly to make sure it has not dried out. The greenhouse effect created by the plastic should minimize this. After approximately 4 weeks, the cutting should root, and can then be treated as you would any other seedling.    

Good luck, and please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,    

Mike