CHE REFERENCE LIBRARY - Pole Shift Survival Information

THE NURSERY-LAST 409
Retinospora, species of Chamaecyparis and Thuja (Japanese Arbor-
Vitae). Pinace@.
The retinosporas do not constitute a distinct group of plants, but
are juvenile forms in other genera. They are grown sometimes from
seeds, which should be denuded of pulp. Layers of tender branches
are sometimes employed. Most commonly grown from cuttings.
These are made from tips of growing or ripened shoots, and are 2 or
3 inches long, with all the leaves left on. They are usually, from
necessity, variously branched. The soft cuttings are usually taken
from forced plants, and are handled in a close frame or under a bellglass,
with bottom heat. In commercial establishments the cuttings
of ripe wood are preferred. Following is the practice of one of the
oldest nurseries in the country : Cuttings of the entire season’s
growth, cut to a heel, are taken in October and November, and are
placed in sand in boxes in gentle heat, as in a propagating-house. By
February the roots will be formed, and the boxes are then placed
in a cool house where the temperature is about 5r)*. Early in spring
(about April 1st) the boxes are placed outdoors in coldframes, where
they remain until May, until frost is over. The boxes are then
removed from the frames and are set on boards in a shady place,
where they are left until fall. In the fall - having been nearly a
year in the boxes - the plants are shaken out and are heeled-in in a
cellar. The next spring they are planted out in beds, and during the
following summer and winter they are given some protection from
sun and cold. Yews and arbor-vitaes are handled in the same way.
Usually the retinosporas propagate easily from cuttings taken in
autumn if given shade ; good-sized pieces root in ordinary soil.
Retinosporas are often grafted on retinospora or common arborv&e
stocks. This operation is usually performed on potted plants
in winter by the veneer method.
Rhamnus (Buckthorn). Rhamnacea?.
The hardy kinds may be increased by means of seeds or by layers.
The greenhouse species may be multiplied by cuttings of growing
parts in summer. Seeds should be stratified or sown in fall. R.arer
kinds are sometimes grafted on related species, R. Fravyula and R.
cathartica being mostly used as stocks.
Rhapis. Pulm acfm.
Propagated by suckers which are produced freely, or by imported
seeds. See Palms, page 3?7.