I always cut my cuttings in the transition area between fresh, green growth and older growth with bark. I usually take cuttings in fall and winter so they are very slow. I've taken a few in summer that rooted very quickly if they didn't rot.
I always root them in a medium that is heavy on perlite and some vermiculite. I keep them under a humidity dome for a month or two. I'd estimate 1/2 to 2/3 success on other colors, and 90% on red.
