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 | Commonly grafted plants
Plants such as fruit trees, some ornamental trees and shrubs and roses are ‘g°ù²¹´Ú³Ù±ð»å’. A grafted plant is basically two in one - the roots of a good grower (the rootstock) with the named variety on top (the scion). Grafting is done with named varieties that won’t grow from seed, or are slow/difficult to root from cuttings.
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The point where rootstock and scion join is the ‘union’ (a bulge in the stem.) To prevent the scion rooting, plant with the union 15cm (6in) above soil level. This will keep any mulch/compost away from the immediate trunk.
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Grafted plants in pots should already be at the right depth, so just plant with the top of the rootball at soil level.
Roses are different, rootstock vigour isn’t the reason for grafting – cost is! So, plant with the union about 2.5cm (1in) below soil level.
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Trees
Plant as normal, but stake any tree over 2m (6.6ft) for its first winter. This’ll give the roots time to establish. Hammer a 1m to 1.2m (3.3ft to 3.9ft) stake into the soil at 45 degree angle near the rootball with the top pointing into the prevailing wind. Fix the trunk to the stake about 30cm (1ft) above soil level with a tree tie. If rabbits are a problem, protect the bark with a spiral tree guard wrapped round the trunk after planting. Don't forget to loosen the tie as the trunk grows.
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