Grow plants from root cuttings

NOW that so much is dormant, root cuttings can be used to propagate a range of herbaceous plants.

These include oriental poppies, Japanese anemones, acanthus or bear’s breeches, drumstick primulas and border phlox. But be aware that plants with variegated leaves will revert to plain green leaves.

Thick thinking

Lift established plants and choose young, healthy, pencil-thick roots that are closest to the crown to propagate. Remove no more than one third of the roots for the cuttings. Discard the thin end and remove any fibrous roots, then cut them into 7.5cm lengths to ensure they have enough energy to support their growth.

Make the cuts nearest the plant crown straight to indicate the top and make the bottom a sloping cut.

Pot stars

Insert the cuttings upright in pots of compost with the horizontal top of the cutting flush with the surface. Top dress with a 1cm layer of grit.

Plants with thinner roots are best laid horizontally. Space them about 1.5cm apart on the surface of a tray of compost and cover with compost and a layer of grit.

Replant the mother plant immediately, covering the exposed roots with soil and water to help the roots settle in the soil.

Shoot and score

Put the pot or tray of cuttings in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden and take care not to allow the compost to become waterlogged.

In spring, new growth will indicate they are growing. After a few weeks, they can be potted up individually.