QUESTION: I have a Lady Banks rose that has grown and bloomed quite well since I planted it a couple of years ago. I have tried to root a cutting to plant in another location in my yard, without success. What is the best way and time to do this?ANSWER: Lady Banks is one of the old-fashioned roses that can be propagated by cuttings taken in early summer.Cuttings should be about 3 inches long and the cut end should be semi-mature wood, right below the soft green at the tip of a branch. Immediately dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, then set it in a small pot of lightweight potting soil or a seed-starting mix. Set the pot in a shady area, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pop a plastic bag over the pot and cutting to create a little greenhouse.

QUESTION: When should I prune my pyracantha and how much?ANSWER: The chief reason for planting pyracanthas is the berries it produces late in the year. The berries result from flowers that appear on growth that is at least a year old. This is why you often see lots of berries on the lower part of the plant. People tend to prune from the top down, removing the flowering wood.One safer way to prune is by waiting until the flowers appear in spring. Then prune back the plant, taking care not to cut off all the flowers.Pyracanthas are meant to be large plants and they look great arching over split-rail fences, where they can be given room to grow and look their best. However, they often wind up in places where they interfere with driveways and walks.By MCT News Service