Hardwood cuttings

Take hardwood cuttings

Story by

Making hardwood cuttings in winter is an easy way to propagate deciduous favourites, such as mulberries, grapes, roses and hydrangeas.

Because the plant is dormant and has no leaves, water loss is minimal and successful propagation is greatly enhanced. Once the leaves have finished falling, cut a firm-barked piece of stem. Remove any soft tips and trim the cutting to 10–12cm long, including at least 2–3 nodes (leaf joints). On one side, near and down to the base, slice off a narrow vertical strip of bark. Dip the base into hardwood cutting gel or honey. Make a hole with a pencil down into moist potting mix and carefully push in the cutting. Firm the mix around the cutting and water well. A number of hardwood cuttings can go into one pot as long as each stays clear of the others. Put the pot into a semi-shade position and be patient. You may not see new growth on hardwood cuttings until well into spring.

Photo by iStock