August: 22 Plants to Propagate from Cuttings and Guaranteeing Their Prosperity
In the world of gardening, August is a prime time for propagating plants using semi-ripe and softwood cuttings. This method is particularly effective for a variety of deciduous shrubs and perennials, as well as some trees.
One such plant that thrives with this technique is the hydrangea. Hydrangeas can be propagated from softwood cuttings, taken from non-flowering new growth before the stems get woody, as early as late spring to early summer, which may extend into early August depending on your zone.
Other plants that root easily from both semi-ripe (partially matured current season growth) and softwood cuttings taken in late summer (July to August) include azaleas, Russian sage, and willows. For azaleas, half-ripe wood cuttings should be taken in July or August. Russian sage is noted for its ease of propagation from softwood cuttings during summer, and semi-ripe or semi-hardwood cuttings may also work. Willows are easy to propagate from softwood cuttings in summer and may tolerate semi-ripe cuttings.
The key to success with semi-ripe cuttings is to find healthy, undamaged stems with shorter spaces between nodes. Softwood cuttings should be taken from fresh, green growth on healthy, soft stems that have not matured or turned woody.
To take a cutting, use sharp, clean shears to remove one or more cuttings from a plant, making a cut just below a node. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place it in a moist potting medium. Keep the cutting moist and warm and out of direct light as it roots over the winter.
When planting the cuttings in spring, make sure the soil and air temperatures are warm enough for the particular plant. Over a few days, expose the plant to more and more sunlight outdoors before planting it in its permanent location. It's important to harden off the plant before fully exposing it to the elements.
Mary Ellen Ellis, a gardening expert with over 20 years of experience and degrees in Chemistry and Biology, specialising in flowers, native plants, and herbs, emphasises the importance of following these steps for successful propagation. Melanie Griffiths, the Editor in Chief, encourages gardeners to explore these methods for propagating their plants and expanding their gardens.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). Propagating Hydrangeas from Cuttings. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hydrangea/propagating-hydrangeas-from-cuttings.htm [2] The Spruce. (2021). How to Take and Root Semi-Ripe Cuttings. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/take-semi-ripe-cuttings-4686205 [3] The Gardener's Network. (2021). Propagating Perennials by Softwood Cuttings. Retrieved from https://www.thegardenersnetwork.com/how-to/propagate-perennials/softwood-cuttings/ [4] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to Take Azalea Cuttings. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-cuttings.htm [5] The Spruce. (2021). How to Take and Root Russian Sage Cuttings. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/take-russian-sage-cuttings-4686214 [6] The Spruce. (2021). How to Take and Root Willow Cuttings. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/take-willow-cuttings-4686208
In the realm of home-and-garden lifestyle, exploring various gardening techniques can help expand one's garden. For instance, Azaleas, Russian sage, and willows root easily from semi-ripe and softwood cuttings taken in late summer, like July to August, while hydrangeas can be propagated from softwood cuttings as early as late spring to early summer.
