The Triplets!

  Back last spring, I wrote about the Althea bush that grows in the yard. This bush is from a cutting that Granddad rooted for me some thirty years ago.  At one time, it was in its glory!  The thing had grown to a fine size and never disappointed in providing many blooms. Then came Hurricane Katrina and my bush was smashed, doused, drowned and shredded.  I was heartbroken but determined to salvage what I could. The pitiful stick of a bush struggled along for a while but is starting (after all these years) to show some promise.  In my earlier writings, I mentioned that the Althea bush also goes by the name of Rose of Sharon.  That said, I decided to name my bush "Althea Rose Sharon Bush".  This is such a fine name for this true Southern Belle.  I had also made the statement that I was going to try to propagate new little bushes from this one.  Well, one thing after another got in the way of that idea until finally this spring.  About a month ago, I took three cuttings from the little bush and stuck them in a jelly glass.  For the longest time, nothing happened but then today, I noticed little white nubbies!  Small roots were starting to sprout from the stems!

An earlier photo of "Althea Rose Sharon Bush"!

  All three stalks are trying to root.  Within a week or so, I will plant my new bushes in pots and place them in the greenhouse.  There they shall sit until next spring.  This will give them plenty of time to set a good root stock before I transplant them into the yard.  Granddad would be proud that his time and effort were not wasted.  I am proud that I have been able to be a good guardian of the plant.  Althea Rose Sharon, I am sure, is proud to be the mother of triplets!