Saddle grafts can be done as bench grafting or using a grafting machine.

The scion and rootstock must be the same size.

The scion is cut like a saddle and sits on top of the rootstock.

Saddle grafting is done as bench grafting when the scion is dormant.

Illustration showing the scion and rootstock of a saddle graft before and after being bound together.

Saddle grafts were once a common graft for rhododendrons.

Illustration showing how rhododendron scions were attached to rootstock.