Conifers bring structure and year-round interest to a garden. Cuttings can be taken from late summer to the end of autumn. All but the very slowest growing varieties of conifers will root from cuttings.
What to do
- Choose small, healthy shoots about 7.5cm - 10cm (3-4in) long and pull off gently from the plant, removing a sliver of darker wood.
- Neatly trim this with sharp secateurs and remove leaves from the bottom third of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of each cutting into hormone rooting powder or gel.
- Fill a pot with free-draining compost, level and firm.
- Insert several cuttings around the edge of the pot, pushing a third of them into the compost. It may help to make a small hole first.
- If you're growing several varieties, label pots and finish by watering.
- Place in a sheltered spot, out of direct sunlight and wait for cuttings to root over the next 12 months.
