WWW.CLEMSON.EDU/PSAMEDIA

DATE:   1/11/01
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604
EDITOR: Giles Singleton, (8640 656-3876

Create an early spring indoors:
Force spring flowering shrubs and trees

     CLEMSON -- In the cold dark days of winter, if you'd like 
to have a taste of spring, try forcing cuttings of spring-flowering
shrubs and trees in your landscape.
     Once flower buds have been produced on last year's growth 
and their dormancy requirements have been met in mid-January -- at
least eight weeks of temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit -- 
they can be cut and forced into bloom indoors.
     Generally, the branches from shrubs are easier to force 
than trees. Also, the nearer branches are cut to their normal 
flowering time, the easier the branches can be forced, and the 
more quickly they will bloom. This is especially true with late 
spring bloomers such as viburnums and weigelas.
     If possible, choose a warm sunny day. Selectively remove 
branches with plump flower buds, keeping in mind you do not want 
to disfigure the plant.
     Prune properly by cutting about 1/4 inch above a side bud or 
an outward-growing branch. Cut the branches in six to 18 inch 
lengths; longer branches are easier to use in floral arrangements 
and maintain the shape and appearance of the plant.
     Bring the branches indoors and make a second cut on a slant, 
just above the previous cut. If the outdoor temperatures were 
below freezing when you cut the branches, immerse them in cold 
water for three or four hours.
     Put the branches in a container and add warm water (100 to 
110 degrees F) up to one-third of the length of the stem. To 
prolong the flowers, add a commercial floral preservative, such 
as Floralifeä,  or make your own with the following homemade 
recipe created by Dr. Seward Besemer of the University of 
California-Davis:
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* one pint of lemon-lime carbonated beverage that contains citric
  acid and sugar.
* one pint of water.
* 1/2 teaspoon chlorine bleach
  or two tablespoons of fresh lemon or lime juice.
* one tablespoon of sugar.
* 1/2 tablespoon of household bleach mixed into a quart of water.
     Move the container to a cool 60 to 65 degrees F in indirect 
light. When the buds begin to show color, move the branches to 
a brightly lit area away from direct sunlight. To prolong the 
beauty of the flowers, move the arrangement to a cooler location 
at night.
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     Shrubs and trees that can be forced now include azaleas,
Corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas), border forsythia (F. x
intermedia), honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), serviceberry (Amelanchier
spp.), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin).
     The following are best cut in March when the buds are 
swelling: Cherry (Prunus spp.), crabapple (Malus spp.),flowering
dogwood (C. florida), magnolia (Magnolia spp.), sweet mockorange
(Philadelphus coronarius), and redbud (Cercis canadensis).
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     If you have gardening questions, write to PSA Media Relations,
A-101 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson University,
Clemson, S.C. 29634-0129. You might also want to check our website 
at www.clemson.edu/psamedia .
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