The willow water is something I've heard as well. The best transplanted Mountain Laurel I ever had is one that I planted just a few feet below (on a slope) an old willow stump. I do believe the nearby stump helped the Kalmia take root.

If you can get to your mother's house fairly regularly, you can try root pruning some of her suckers, tag them with string and then dig them up in the fall. Root pruning means that you would sever the root with a shovel but leave the sucker in the ground; it will recover and develop it's own roots.

esh_ga,

Thank you for the prompt response. It makes me feel better to know that I must've read it somewhere (about the willow)--though it would be cool if I'd thought of it :)) I think I will try it.

The main problem was that none of the suckers had any of their own roots, save one. So, I'd like to try to root the few I cut. I cut some pussy willow and put them all in the same container, hoping for good results.

I just came in from planting all those that did have roots. One seemed to have a flower bud on it...just one, but it is a start. I am gonna be sore tomorrow!

David

To root the ones you have, get some rooting hormone powder (even Home Depot carries it these days). Make a fresh cut and then take a knife and scrape the sides a bit on the last inch of the cutting (this gives more area for the rooting hormone to touch).

Dip the cuttings and then plant them in pots and press the soil around the cutting gently. If you use small cuttings, you can cover the plant with a plastic bag (secure with rubber band or use zip lock) or a one liter or two liter soda bottle (cut off bottom and leave cap on). Your goal is to make a mini greenhouse.

On the attached link, look at his pictures of Propagation Domes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagation by Mike Creel