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13 July 2009
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Forsythia

Taking summer cuttings

How to take cuttings of your favourite shrubs so you'll have new stock ready for autumn planting.

In summer you can cut lengths of healthy growth from many shrubs, such as philadelphus, hydrangeas and forsythias and root them in small pots filled with compost.

What to do

  • Choose healthy, non-flowering new shoots on your shrub and take cuttings of 5-10cm (2-4in) long.
  • Prepare by making a straight cut beneath a pair of leaves and then remove several sets of lower leaves.
  • Keep only one or two pairs of leaves at the tip of the cutting.
  • Fill a pot with compost, level and firm. Insert several cuttings around the edge of a pot, keeping their leaves clear of the surface and water well.
  • Label if you're making cuttings of several varieties. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, held in place with an elastic band and put in a light place until rooted.
  • Pot rooted cuttings into individual pots and plant out when they have filled the container with roots.

Take several cuttings from each shrub to increase your chance of success.

  • Read More...

Time needed


20 minutes

You will need

  • Sharp garden knife or secateurs
  • 7.5cm (3in) pots
  • Free-draining compost
  • Clear plastic bag and elastic band
  • Hormone rooting powder or liquid
  • Watering can

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