These traditional cottage garden flowers are perfect for adding height to the back of a summer border. Make new plants by taking cuttings with our guide.
What to do
Choose new shoots, about 7.5cm (3in) long and remove with a knife, cutting right through their firm base tissue.
Make a straight cut under a leaf joint and strip away the lower leaves to leave bare stem.
Dip the base of each cutting into hormone rooting powder (which is available from most garden suppliers) to prevent rotting and encourage roots to grow.
Push several cuttings around the edge of a pot filled with compost, taking care not to cover the base of leaf stalks.
If you're taking cuttings of several varieties, label and water well.
Cover pot with a plastic bag held in place with an elastic band and leave for a few weeks until the cuttings have rooted.
Pot the rooted cuttings into large, individual pots until they're strong enough to plant out into your border.
Tip: This technique can be used on other perennials that grow in a similar way, such as chrysanthemums and lupins.
