Fresh Flowers in Winter

Many Gardeners know that forsythia twig cuttings will bloom in a vase of water this time of year.  It is a great way to add a little springtime spirit of renewal and rebirth into the gray and dreary days of winter.  Less folks know that this same technique will work on flowering cherry twig cuttings too.   The pink blossoms are wonderful as they burst into your winter house.  Try mixing the yellow and the pink - that  works great too.

Here is what to do:

1.       Cut the wispy branches at the ends of the plant.  These should be the branches with the heaviest buds.  It helps if these are the overgrown ones too - so you won't need to prune them in the spring.

2.       Cut the branches to about 30" to 36 inches and set in a tall vase or bucket of Water.  Change the water in the vase often to avoid discoloration of the water.  Blooming should start in about two weeks

3.       Crushing the ends of the twigs with a pair of pliers can aid water uptake

4.       If roots develop - save for planting outdoors