As gardens prepare for winter, now’s the perfect time to start propagating your favorite shrubs for next year. It’s easier than you might think!
Taking hardwood cuttings is a straightforward method to propagate shrubs like dogwood, forsythia, and hydrangea. All you need is a pair of clean bypass pruners, a container, and a well-draining medium. A 50/50 mix of coir and perlite works best because it retains moisture while ensuring good drainage.
First, choose a deep container with drainage holes and fill it with your potting mix. Water it thoroughly and let it drain. This sets the stage for your cuttings to thrive.
No special skills required here. Seriously, if you can handle a pair of pruners, you’re good to go!
Selecting the Right Stems
Pick a stem about the thickness of a pencil. Aim for a new shoot from the latest growing season. Measure down roughly 8 inches from the tip and make a straight cut below a small leaf node. Avoid large nodes to reduce the risk of rot.
Pro Tip:
- Look for stems with fresh growth to increase your chances of success.
Dipping the stem bottoms in rooting hormone powder can help, but it’s not a must. Just give it a good scrape on the bottom inch to encourage rooting.
Planting Your Cuttings
Remove any leaves from the lower part of the stems. Stick the flat-cut side down into the mix, spacing them about 2 inches apart around the pot’s perimeter. This positioning helps prevent rot since the soil dries out more quickly at the edges.
- Ensure the cuttings are firm in the soil to eliminate air pockets.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Select Stem | Choose a pencil-thick, new shoot stem |
| 2. Make the Cut | Cut 8 inches from the tip below a node |
| 3. Dip in Hormone | Optional: dip bottoms in rooting hormone |
| 4. Plant in Mix | Place stems 2 inches apart in the potting mix |
| 5. Water Carefully | Keep soil slightly moist, not too wet |
A callus will form on the exposed wounds, and roots will start to develop from the buried nodes. It’s fascinating to watch nature do its thing!
Caring for Your Cuttings Through Winter
Cuttings need to experience the cold, but freezing them is a no-go. Depending on where you live, place the pots in a cold frame, unheated garage, or a sheltered outdoor spot until spring arrives. Then, move them to a partly shady garden area.
Don’t forget to check on your cuttings regularly during spring and summer. They’ll need water, but remember, they don’t have roots yet, so don’t overdo it.
Keep an eye out for any signs of rot or disease. If a cutting isn’t doing well, it’s okay to let it go and try again with a new one. Gardening is all about patience and persistence!
