Propagating Plants with Softwood Cuttings: A Beginner’s Guide
Taking softwood cuttings is an exciting way to create new plants from your existing ones. It’s a great way to propagate your favorite perennials and shrubs, and it’s surprisingly easy to do.
What are Softwood Cuttings?
Softwood cuttings are taken from the new, green growth of a plant. This type of cutting is ideal for propagation because it roots more quickly than hardwood cuttings, which are taken from older, woody stems.
Best Time to Take Softwood Cuttings
The best time to take softwood cuttings is in the spring or early summer, when the new growth is at its peak. You can also take cuttings in the fall, but the success rate may be lower.
Choosing the Right Plants
Not all plants can be propagated from softwood cuttings. Some of the most popular plants for softwood cuttings include:
- Fuchsias
- Lavatera
- Philadelphus
- Physocarpus
- Viburnums
- Hydrangeas
- Salvias
- Penstemons
- Rosemary
- Elderberries
How to Take Softwood Cuttings
-
Gather your materials. You will need:
- Sharp knife or pruning shears
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Potting mix
- Pots or trays
- Plastic bags
-
Select a healthy stem. Choose a stem that is young, green, and has no signs of disease or damage.
-
Make a clean cut. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stem.
-
Dip the cutting in rooting hormone. This is optional, but it can help to promote root growth.
-
Plant the cutting. Fill a pot or tray with potting mix and make a hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it.
-
Water the cutting. Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a warm, humid environment.
-
Keep the cutting moist. The cutting will need to stay moist in order to root. Mist it with water regularly or cover it with a plastic bag.
-
Wait for roots to develop. It can take several weeks for roots to develop. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the garden.
Tips for Success
- Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make clean cuts.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stem to prevent rotting.
- Keep the cutting moist but not soggy.
- Provide a warm, humid environment for the cutting.
- Be patient! It can take several weeks for roots to develop.
With a little care and attention, you can easily propagate your favorite plants from softwood cuttings. This is a great way to expand your garden and share your plants with friends and family.
Carol Klein’s Favorite Plants for Softwood Cuttings
Carol Klein, a renowned British gardener and broadcaster, has shared her favorite plants for taking softwood cuttings. These plants are all easy to propagate and make beautiful additions to any garden.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Argenteo-variegata’ (Variegated box)
- Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’
- Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ (Rosemary)
- Sambucus nigra (Elderberry)
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
- Penstemons
- Salvia ‘Amistad’
- Viburnum carlesii
Featured Plants
Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular herb that can be easily propagated from softwood cuttings. Simply remove the lower leaves from a stem and insert it into a pot of potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and it will root in a few weeks.
Elderberry
Elderberry is a deciduous shrub that produces edible berries. It is also easy to propagate from softwood cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer and root them in a pot of potting mix.
Penstemons
Penstemons are herbaceous perennials that produce beautiful spikes of flowers. They are easy to propagate from softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Salvia ‘Amistad’
Salvia ‘Amistad’ is a popular perennial that produces purple flowers. It is easy to propagate from softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Viburnum carlesii
Viburnum carlesii is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant flowers in the spring. It is easy to propagate from softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
