Ideal for
Shrubs and some trees, especially roses, blackcurrants and willows.
When should you start?
Winter. In winter, cut a young straight stem from shrubs and some trees and you have a new plant. Cut the tip just above a bud, use an angled cut to remind you which end is up, then make another 6in-12in horizontal cut, just below a bud, to make your to make cuttings.
best advices
With a shovel, make a narrow trench 5 cm wide (2 in. wide) and drip a layer of sand along the bottom. Then sink into the cuttings and stiffen the soil so that only the top third remains exposed. You can also root hardwood cuttings in tall pots. Grow all season and move your new plants in the fall.
basal cuttings
Ideal for
Strong, thick-stemmed perennials such as dahlias, artichokes, larkspur, phlox and lupine.
When should you start?
Spring – so put this in the bank for next year.
Look at the undersides of your most rambunctious border plants and you’ll often see sturdy shoots springing straight out of the ground. These are your cheat shoots, as they usually get away with embryonic roots already attached.
Cut shoots 10cm (4in) long and cut them away from the plant with a sharp knife as close to the base as possible. Pull off the lower leaves to leave a clean stem, then repot them. Within a month you will have new plants.
best advices
If you are taking cuttings from plants with large leaves, cut each leaf in half after potting. It seems drastic, but it greatly reduces water loss so that the cutting can focus on forming roots.
leaf cuttings
Ideal for
Indoor plants, especially African violets, peperomia, streptocarpus and begonias
When should you start?
Spring to fall.
For bona fide, breathtaking plant magic, try leaf cuttings. One leaf produces multiple plants, it’s dead simple, and your kids/partner/parents (strike out as appropriate) will think you’re a genius.
Fill the seed trays with granular compost. For African violets and peperomia, make a hole, pick a leaf with the stem attached and simply stick it in so that the compost around the stem becomes firm.
Cut streptocarpus leaves into two strips, remove the midrib; and cut begonia leaves into 2 cm squares, each with a vein. Stand cut-side down and bury this bottom edge in compost. Keep moist and warm, and small plants should appear: pot them individually when large enough to handle.
best advices
Cuttings often root in plain water, especially fast-rooting willows and dogwoods, and houseplants, including begonias and rubber plants. Take cuttings as usual and drop them in a glass of clean water on a clear windowsill. Change the water twice a week, and as soon as the roots appear, repot and continue growing.
root cuttings
Ideal for
Oriental poppies, mint, verbascum, Japanese anemone
When should you start?
Winter. You’ve probably already been introduced to the zombie-like ability of bindweed and couch grass to regenerate from bits of root. Fortunately, other, more beautiful and well-behaved plants do the same, including delightful oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) and mint.
best advices
Dig up the plant and tease a pencil-thick white root. Trim it away as close to the plant as possible and cut it into 2in-4in pieces 5-10cm. Lay these flat on a seed tray of compost, then cover them lightly with more compost. Top with grit, water and pop in a cold container to root by next spring.