Download Twinflower Cuttings

Station 2: Twinflower
Common name: Twinflower
Latin name: Linnaea borealis
Interesting story or factoid: This species was reportedly the favorite of Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish
botanist known as the father of taxonomy. The plant was named after him by one of his students. The
species name “borealis” means northern and refers to this species’ distribution throughout the Northern
hemisphere.
The twine-like stem of twinflower can be used to tie things together in a pinch.
The twinflower is the emblem of the Botanical garden at Memorial University in Newfoundland.
The seeds of Twinflower are encased within a sticky shell that sticks to passing animals and helps spread
the seed to new growing sites.
Distribution: Twinflower is found throughout the Northern hemisphere within the boreal forest.
Flower: The common name for twinflower is appropriate. Along the creeping stem the flower stalks rise
about 10cm above the stem, and at the end there is a pretty light pink double flower. This species
blooms between June and September, with sunnier locations generally blooming first. The flowers last
about two weeks.
Growth habit and uses: Twinflower has a low creeping habit, spreading across the ground like a vine,
but does not climb into shrubs or trees. Its main method of spread is by layering, it will send down new
roots from its stem as it grows across the ground. This species does not usually form a dense enough
ground cover to prevent weeds and other plants from germinating; therefore it is best used in
combination with another ground cover such as moss. This evergreen creeper will provide seasonal
interest from its small but beautiful set of pink twin flowers.
Growing requirements: Part shade. Generally grows best in drier conditions but does occur in boggy
areas where it will grow from one high point to another (fallen logs etc.). As with other native species, if
you find the right place for it you do not need to water or fertilize. I encourage you to take a walk in one
of the local parks and see if you can observe twinflower in its natural setting. You will get a feel for the
right amount of sun it likes, which seems to be a determining factor of where it can be found. It can be
identified year round by its shiny round green leaves, and creeping growth habit. Do not mix it up with
native Lonicera species.
Propagation methods: This species can be propagated from seed or vegetative cutting. Seed is usually
ready to collect in September, but can be variable from patch to patch. Today we will be demonstrating
how to propagate from cutting.
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Collect your cuttings: When taking cuttings of this species, try to find large healthy patches and
avoid removing small isolated clumps. Remove only a small percentage of the vegetative
material so that the natural plant will have an opportunity to recover. If a stem has rooted at
multiple nodes, you can cut out a section in between, but be sure to include leafing nodes with
your cutting. If you are cutting off a stem section with a free end you may as well take and use
the whole section. Try and collect your cuttings within a day of propagation.
Mix your soil and prepare your container: Twinflower like an organic rich growing media, we will
be using a 1/3 sand, 2/3 sea soil mixture today. In future, common potting mix could be
substituted for sea soil. Fill your container to about ¾ full and drop once onto the counter from
2” to settle the mix.
Prepare and insert the cutting: Trim the cutting so that excess stem is removed from either side
of the node, leaving 1 cm on each side. Then dip the cutting into rooting hormone #3, insert into
the soil to a depth of 1 cm. If any leaves are beneath the soil they should be trimmed off. The
containers we have today are deeper than they need to be, Twinflower is a relatively shallow
rooting plant.
Water once and leave in part shade. The soil should be kept moist but not wet until the cutting
has begun to take root. If you have access to a greenhouse with mister (6 second intervals every
6 minutes) and bottom heat (21°C) this should be used to improve the chances of success. Mist
can be applied by hand to reduce the risk of drying out. Another method is to cover the pot with
a clear plastic bag, if you do this you need to remove the bag once every two days to prevent
the air from becoming stagnant. This method reduces the risk of the cutting drying out before it
has rooted, but increases the risk of rot. Cuttings may take 6 weeks to root themselves.
References:
http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas10/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Linnaea borealis&redblue=Both&lifeform=12
Johnson, Kathy; Wick, Dale.; Keating, Rose.; Luna, Tara.; Evans, Jeff. 2008. Propagation protocol for
vegetative production of container Linnaea borealis L. plants (800 ml containers); USDI NPS - Glacier
National Park, West Glacier, Montana. In: Native Plant Network. URL:
http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org (accessed 6 February 2012). Moscow (ID): University of Idaho,
College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Pojar and Mackinnon.1994. Plants of Coastal British Columbia, Revised. Lone Pine Publishing,
Vancouver, B.C.
Carl Linnaeus holding Twinflower, dressed in the traditional clothing of the Sami people of Lapland.