Take cuttings...and make savings!
TENDER perennials work hard to deliver a floral spectacle over the summer, but their days are numbered once temperatures start to plummet in autumn. However, if you’ve been impressed by the performance of any frost-sensitive gems, it’s possible to enjoy a repeat performance next year by taking some cuttings.
It’s an easy process that doesn’t require fancy equipment. Healthy shoots are removed, trimmed to size and then inserted into small pots of compost. Pop these into a propagator and they’ll form roots within a few weeks, growing into vigorous young plants that will be ready to go outdoors next spring. Mid-summer until early autumn is the perfect time to put this technique into action.
Among the many plants that will respond readily to the treatment are abutilon, argyranthemum (marguerite daisy), fuchsia, heliotrope, New Guinea impatiens, osteospermum, salvia and verbena.
Start by selecting shoots with at least three sets of leaves, and remove from the mother plant by cutting above a leaf joint. As a rule, it’s best to gather material early in the morning, rather than in the heat of the day. At this time, stems are full of water, which prevents them wilting quickly once cut.
Always pick healthy young growth, rather than older, woodier shoots. Also, steer clear of stems bearing flowers or buds, as they will drain energy from the cutting, preventing roots forming. Keep the material fresh by placing inside a bag with a little water in the bottom, shake and secure the top with an elastic band.
Decant the stuff in a sheltered, shady spot to prevent it drying out quickly. Use secateurs to make a straight cut beneath a leaf joint, leaving behind a cutting that’s 3-4in long. Snip off the leaves from the lower half to the bottom third of each stem, and pinch out the shoot tip if it is very soft and sappy.
Fill a pot with seed and cutting compost, firm down and make three or four small holes around the outside with a pencil. Push a cutting into each hole, firming with your fingers. Stick a label in the pot and water gently. Place in a heated propagator or cover with a clear polythene bag, held in place with an elastic band.
When cuttings are well-rooted, take out of the propagator or remove the bag. Allow them to grow for a few weeks before breaking open the rootball, setting each cutting into a 3in-wide pot. Place in a light, frostfree place over winter and move into larger pots in early spring. Plants will be ready to go outside in May.