Fuchsias are ideal for cuttings

Anticipation of successful floral displays builds as plants young and old shake off the winter cold and commence growth.

Early flowering herbaceous perennials developing shoots, some of which can be taken as stem cuttings, plug plants of tender perennials and annuals for beds, borders, and containers, they’re all offering good vibes as we seek to increase the ornamental plant collection.

Best buy for this fellow are those plants that lend themselves to propagation and are generally perennial by nature. Fuchsia, pelargonium, penstemon and lavender are typical examples.

In each case a single, medium-sized plug plant can give rise to several identical specimens in a season. They have extended flowering periods and are excellent for pollinators.

Select a young plant with three or more stems, each of which will provide a cutting soon after purchase.

Softwood cuttings of penstemon and fuchsia are quick to root in a pot or tray of moist perlite-enriched compost.

Alternatively, pop them into a glass of water on the kitchen windowsill. The parent plant responds by developing six new shoots, and you’re on the way to a bushy plant.

Last year we ensured that one plug of fuchsia had a single central stem. All side shoots were removed as it progressed through different pot sizes, and the stem was supported by a thin cane.

When it reached the desired height, the growing tip was pinched out to encourage bushiness. All lower leaves were removed to encourage the top cluster, and we had a standard fuchsia.

So attractive were the pink blooms, that we saw the plant through winter dormancy. Once the sap starts flowing it will be re-potted in fresh compost and away we go again.