Plant Doctor Archive

Red-flowering manuka

I WISH to grow more red-flowering manuka. I note that although the shrubs set seed prolifically, no seedlings appear in the vicinity. I presume the plants are non-fertile. What are the procedures for increasing the plants? Do they grow from division or cuttings?

MANUKA hybrids can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings taken between March and May. Take 10-15cm cuttings, dip them in a semi-hardwood hormone rooting powder and plant in a loose, free-draining potting mix. Vigorous shoots have the best strike rate.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.