Most plants that have stems or branches bearing leaves can be propagated by taking cuttings. If you’re looking for an interesting, rewarding and economical way to produce more plants from your garden, give this method of propagation a try: Fill the pots or flats with rooting medium, made of 1 part peat moss to 2 parts perlite, moistened but not dripping wet. Gather together pruning shears, rooting hormone (available at nurseries and garden centers), stakes, clean pots or flats, and clean plastic bags. Take cuttings in spring or summer, water plants 24 hours before beginning, work on a cool, overcast day, and take the steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions.
Perennial Cutting - Step 1
Make cuttings 4-6 inches long from branch tips without flowers. Cut each clipping just below a node – the place on the stem where a leaf is attached. On the other end, cut just above a node, taking care to leave the leaf group attached to the cut piece.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Perennial Cutting - Step 2
Strip off leaves on the lower 2 inches of the cutting. Dip the cut end of each stem piece into rooting hormone.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Perennial Cutting - Step 3
Use a stick to make 2-inch-deep holes in the rooting medium, 2 inches apart. Put one cutting into each hole and firm the medium around the stem. Water and let drain.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Perennial Cutting - Step 4
Enclose the cutting-filled container in a large plastic bag, positioning stakes to keep the plastic off the foliage. Close the bag and set it in bright indirect light, where temperatures are between 65-75 degrees F.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Perennial Cutting - Step 5
After 2 weeks, check plants by gently tugging to see if any roots have sprouted. (This process usually takes 2-4 weeks.) When roots emerge, the offspring plant is ready for transplanting.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
