Daphnes – Layer branches

Q: I’m growing daphnes. While educating myself, I ran across this statement: “One can layer branches of daphne in the spring.” Would you explain what they mean by “layer branches” ?

A: “Layering” a branch means to help it form roots while touching the soil. Find a flexible daphne branch and gentle bend it until it touches the ground. Scrape the bark away where it touches and dust rooting hormone onto the wound. Cover the injury with a fist-full of dirt and put a brick on top to hold the branch tightly to the soil. Roots will form by fall; you can transplant it next spring.