PROPAGATION BY LAYERAGE 



213 



they may be separated from the parent by cutting the 

 stolons. Strawberries and cranberries reproduce by means 

 of stolons. 



Suckers are young plants that are produced from under- 

 ground stems or roots. This method of propagation is 



Fig. 117. Reproduction of strawberry plants by stolons. 



used in producing new plants of the red raspberry and 

 blackberry. The growth of suckers may be induced by 

 heavy fertilization and severe pruning. 



Although this method of propagation is not generally 

 practiced on a commercial scale with many plants, it is a 

 very convenient one for private use in multiplying many 

 of the flowering perennials and herbs, as well as spireas, 

 deutzias, roses, and similar-growing shrubs. 



Propagation by Layerage. Plants that do not readily take 

 root from cuttings may often be conveniently propagated 

 by layerage. By this method a branch is brought in con- 

 tact with the earth in such a manner as to induce it to throw 

 out roots and stems, thus forming a separate plant. Layer- 

 ing is especially convenient for reproducing plants with 

 more or less decumbent branches, and as the parent plant 

 supplies the food and water until the layer is established, 

 it is a simple and easy method of propagation. Plants 

 that do not readily send out roots can often be induced to 



