When and How to Take Cuttings from a Shrub? What Species Can You Take Cuttings in Water?

Learn the ideal timing and methods for taking cuttings from shrubs to propagate and enhance your garden. Discover which shrubs are suitable for winter or spring cuttings and explore the process of taking cuttings in water.

1. When and How to Take Cuttings from a Shrub?

  • Timing:
    • Softwood cuttings: Warm weather when plants can heal quickly.
    • Hardwood cuttings: Fall, late winter, and early spring; more resistant to cold temperatures.
  • Method:
    1. Choose a healthy shrub for propagation.
    2. Cut a 15cm piece, removing excess foliage and flowers.
    3. Optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
    4. Plant in well-draining, moist potting soil.
    5. Cover with a clear plastic bag, creating humidity.
    6. Place in indirect light until roots develop.
    7. Remove plastic, plant in the garden, and add fertilizer.

2. Shrubs Suitable for Winter Cuttings:

  • Honeysuckle
  • Dogwood
  • Rose bush
  • Gooseberry
  • Clematis
  • Lilac
  • Rhododendron
  • Forsythia
  • Azalea
  • Bay leaf sauce
  • Oleander
  • Ensure they are not new plants; allow a year for development before taking cuttings.

3. Shrubs Suitable for Spring Cuttings:

  • Abélia
  • Butterfly bush
  • Dogwood
  • Hydrangea
  • Magnolia
  • Jasmine
  • Delphinium
  • Phlox
  • Aster
  • Salvia
  • Lavender
  • Take cuttings in spring or early summer, avoiding heatwaves.

4. Shrubs Suitable for Water Cuttings:

  • Locate a healthy stem and take a 15cm cutting.
  • Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
  • Optionally add rooting hormone or cinnamon to prevent root rot.
  • Place cuttings in cool water near a sunny window.
  • Change water weekly.
  • Once roots develop, plant in open ground or a large pot.

Enhance your garden with these simple and effective methods of propagating shrubs through cuttings, tailored to the characteristics of each season and plant type.

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