Grafting

Grafting is a horticultural technique that involves joining two plants together so that they grow as one. The upper part of the graft, which produces the stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits, is called the scion. The lower part, which provides the roots and support, is called the rootstock. Grafting can be used to change the variety of a large tree, to improve disease resistance or productivity, to create dwarf specimens, or to develop new varieties. Grafting requires that the vascular tissues of the scion and rootstock are aligned and protected until they heal and fuse together. By grafting, you can add a branch, change the foliage, improve the root flare, or combine different plants together.