Propagating perennials: Easy Autumn cuttings for a thriving flower garden
Fall might be known for its cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, but it's also a fantastic time to get your hands dirty in the garden.
We're talking about the joys of propagating perennials through cuttings in the autumn. Not only is this a cost-effective way to expand your garden (it's how we grow our garden without breaking the bank), but it's also incredibly rewarding to watch your baby plants grow into mature beauties.
Watch how we take cuttings in the video below. Or keep reading for a step-by-step guide.
Here's a list of 16 of our favorite perennials that you can easily propagate from cuttings during the fall season.*Please note that root hormone is optional. We don't use it in our garden.
1. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
Time: Early autumn
Method: Take a 10-15 cm cutting from a non-flowering shoot, just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
2. Lupin (Lupinus spp.)
Cutting Type: Basal
Length: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Cut 5-10 cm shoots from the base of the plant. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a pot with a mix of compost and perlite.
3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 7-10 cm (3-4 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Take 7-10 cm stems, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a sandy soil mix.
4. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
Time: Early autumn
Method: Snip softwood cuttings from the plant, remove lower leaves, and plant in a container with well-draining soil. Cover with a plastic bag or dome to create a mini greenhouse.
5. Achillea (Achillea spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood or Division
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) for softwood cuttings
Time: Spring for division, early autumn for softwood cuttings
Method: Divide established clumps in spring or take 10-15 cm stem cuttings in early autumn. Plant in a well-draining soil mix.
6. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Cutting Type: Stem
Length: 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Cut 5-7.5 cm stems, let them callus for a day, and plant in a sandy soil mix.
7. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Cutting Type: Tip
Length: 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)
Time: Early autumn
Method: Take tip cuttings from non-flowering stems, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a pot. Keep them in a sheltered location.
8. Veronica (Veronica spp.)
Cutting Type: Basal
Length: 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)
Time: Early autumn
Method: Use basal cuttings from healthy shoots, plant in a well-draining soil mix, and ensure they have adequate moisture.
9. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood or Division
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) for softwood cuttings
Time: Spring for division, early autumn for softwood cuttings
Method: Divide established plants in spring or take 10-15 cm softwood cuttings in early autumn. Plant in a potting mix.
10. Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
Time: Early autumn
Method: Snip softwood cuttings, remove lower leaves, and plant in well-draining soil. Provide indirect sunlight and maintain humidity.
11. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Take softwood cuttings from the current season's growth, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in sandy soil.
12. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Cut softwood stems, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil.
13. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood or Division
Length: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) for softwood cuttings
Time: Spring for division, late summer or early autumn for softwood cuttings
Method: Divide in spring or take softwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Plant in a potting mix.
14. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Take softwood cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil.
15. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Cutting Type: Softwood
Length: 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)
Time: Late summer or early autumn
Method: Snip softwood stems, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a sandy soil mix.
16. Bergenia (Bergenia spp.)
Cutting Type: Division
Time: Spring or early autumn
Method: Divide the mature clumps in spring or early autumn, ensuring each division has a good portion of roots and foliage. Plant in a well-draining soil mix.
Propagation isn't limited to just these plants and perennials, but they are some of my favorites to work with. Remember to always use clean, sharp tools, and don't forget to label your cuttings, so you can keep track of what you've planted.
Here are a few general tips to ensure your cuttings thrive:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Provide indirect sunlight to your cuttings to prevent wilting.
Maintain humidity by covering your cuttings with a plastic bag or dome.
Be patient; it may take a few weeks to see roots develop.
Propagating perennials from cuttings is a fantastic way to expand your garden without breaking the bank. Plus, it's a wonderful feeling to nurture new plants from the ones you already love.
So, grab your gardening gloves and pruners, and let's make this autumn the season of new beginnings for your garden.
Frequently asked questions about propagation with cutttings
What does softwood cutting mean?
A softwood cutting is a type of plant cutting taken from the new, flexible, and actively growing shoots of a plant.
These shoots are typically young and have not yet become woody. Softwood cuttings are usually taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growth phase. They are called "softwood" because the stems are soft and pliable, as opposed to the harder and more rigid stems of older, woody growth.
Softwood cuttings are ideal for propagating many types of plants because they root relatively quickly and have a high success rate.
When taking softwood cuttings, it's essential to choose healthy, disease-free stems and to make clean cuts to minimize stress on the plant.
Here are some key characteristics of softwood cuttings:
Young growth: Softwood cuttings come from the newest growth on the plant, usually from the tips of branches or shoots.
Flexible stems: The stems of softwood cuttings are soft, green, and bendable. They can be easily snapped or bent without breaking.
Active growth: Softwood cuttings are taken during the plant's active growing season, typically in the spring or early summer when the plant is producing new growth.
Leaves: Softwood cuttings often have young leaves that are not fully matured, and they may not yet have developed a woody texture.
Rooting potential: Softwood cuttings root relatively quickly compared to other types of cuttings, making them an excellent choice for propagation.
Plants that are commonly propagated from softwood cuttings include many shrubs, trees, and herbaceous perennials. It's important to provide the right conditions, such as well-draining soil, adequate moisture, and proper humidity, to encourage successful root development when propagating softwood cuttings.
Is it better to take cuttings in the spring or the autumn?
Whether it's better to take cuttings in the spring or autumn depends on the specific type of plant you're propagating and the local climate. Each season has its advantages and considerations:
Spring cuttings:
Active growth: Spring is a time of active growth for many plants. Taking cuttings during this period allows you to work with young, vigorous plant material.
Warmth and longer days: The warmth and longer daylight hours of spring promote rapid root development and overall growth.
Availability of new growth: Many plants produce new growth in the spring, which is ideal for taking softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Quick establishment: Spring-cuttings often establish roots relatively quickly, helping new plants get a head start before winter.
More varieties available: Nurseries and garden centers tend to have a wider selection of plants in the spring, making it easier to acquire the specific plant you want.
Autumn cuttings:
Reduced stress: Cooler temperatures and reduced heat stress can be advantageous for cuttings, as they are less susceptible to wilting or drying out.
Mature growth: Some plants, especially woody perennials, may be better suited for taking hardwood cuttings in the autumn when the stems have matured.
Overwintering: Autumn cuttings often require overwintering in a protected area, such as a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. This can be beneficial for certain plants that benefit from a period of dormancy before active growth begins.
Seasonal availability: Some plants produce ideal cutting material in the autumn, so taking cuttings during this time may be the only option.
Ultimately, the choice between spring and autumn cuttings depends on the specific plant, local climate, and your goals.
Softwood cuttings are typically taken in spring or early summer when plants are actively growing, while hardwood cuttings are usually taken in late autumn or winter when the plant is dormant. It's essential to research the particular plant species you want to propagate to determine the best time for successful cutting propagation.
Additionally, local climate conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can influence the success of your cutting efforts, so it's always a good idea to adapt your approach to your specific location.
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