Question: I have a front yard without a fence or wall. Iβd like to line it with bird of paradise bushes. Can I use a cutting to start them growing or do I have to use seed? And if so, when would be the best time to plant?
Answer:Β You can propagate bird of paradise (Caesalpinia species) by seeds, cuttings, simple layering or dividing plants. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring and early summer. Sever the stem between the leaf joints or nodes, just below a node. You may want to use a rooting hormone to encourage the roots to develop. I have a publication on these plants in case you are deciding which variety to plant. You can look for the publication by searching online for the publication number βAZ1634.β
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ plwarren@cals.arizona.edu.
