Propagating plants from hardwood cuttings is a simple and rewarding way to grow more plants. Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature, woody stems during the plant’s dormant period, usually in fall or winter. These cuttings are tougher and more resilient than softwood ones, making them easier to care for over time. This guide introduces five great plants you can propagate using hardwood cuttings this fall and provides practical advice on getting started.
1. Viburnum
Viburnum is a favorite among gardeners, prized for its fragrant flowers, bright berries, and attractive winter foliage. It is also fast-growing, making it an excellent candidate for propagation from hardwood cuttings.
To take viburnum cuttings, select healthy, dormant stems and cut sections that are 8 to 10 inches long. Ensure the cutting includes several nodes, as this is where new roots and shoots will develop. Make the cut at an angle to expose a larger surface area for rooting, which helps absorb more nutrients from the soil mix.
After cutting, remove any leaves from the stem and dip the cut end into water, followed by a rooting hormone. Rooting hormones are beneficial for hardwood propagation, as they encourage faster root development. Plant the cutting in a mixture of 40% peat moss and 60% perlite, burying two-thirds of the stem in the soil. Keep the potting mix consistently moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright location. Although viburnum can also be propagated with softwood cuttings in spring, hardwood cuttings taken in fall tend to establish better long-term roots.
2. Blackcurrant Bush
Blackcurrants are popular fruit-bearing shrubs that thrive when propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in the fall. Once the shrub enters dormancy, it’s the perfect time to take cuttings and multiply your crop for the next growing season.
To propagate blackcurrants, choose a healthy, disease-free plant and take 6-inch cuttings from young stems. Remove any leaves to focus the cutting’s energy on root production. When planting the cutting, ensure that six nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves and roots develop) are buried underground, as blackcurrants readily root from nodes.
Blackcurrants require well-draining soil, as waterlogged conditions can cause the cuttings to rot. A recommended method is to plant the cuttings in a mixture of equal parts perlite and potting soil to encourage drainage. If you live in a colder climate, consider placing the pots in a greenhouse or creating a DIY propagation chamber by covering the pots with plastic bottles to trap moisture and heat. With the right conditions, blackcurrant cuttings will begin to root in a few months, preparing them for planting in the garden the following spring.
3. Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Dogwood trees and shrubs are known for their striking winter bark, which makes them an appealing landscape addition. Some varieties, like Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire,’ develop vibrant, fiery-colored stems, providing visual interest in cold months. Fall and winter are the ideal times to take hardwood cuttings from dogwood when the plant has shed its leaves and entered dormancy.
To propagate dogwood, cut 8 to 10-inch stems from healthy branches. Always make a clean cut just below a node, as this is where rooting hormones are most concentrated. Strip any leaves or small branches from the lower portion of the cutting. Like viburnum, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Dogwood cuttings thrive in bright, indirect light, so place them in a sheltered spot where they can receive ample light without direct sun exposure. Although softwood cuttings can also be taken in warmer months and rooted in water, hardwood cuttings taken in fall offer a more robust rooting process and are better suited for long-term growth.
4. Rose
Roses are beloved for their beauty and fragrance, and propagating them from hardwood cuttings allows you to expand your collection. Fall is an excellent time to take hardwood cuttings from roses, as the cooler weather helps the stems focus energy on rooting rather than flowering.
Select a cutting from this year’s growth, making sure it is around 8 inches long. Avoid sections with rosehips, as these can hinder rooting. Remove any flowers and leaves to direct the cutting’s energy toward root development. Make an angled cut at the base to maximize the surface area for nutrient absorption.
Using a rooting hormone can significantly improve the chances of success with rose cuttings. After applying the hormone, place the cutting in well-draining soil. Roses prefer a potting mix that retains moisture without becoming too soggy, so a combination of potting soil and perlite works well. Keep the cuttings warm and moist, ideally in a greenhouse or near a bright window. Although softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken earlier in the season, hardwood cuttings in fall provide more resilient plants that are better prepared to handle the elements.
5. Forsythia
Forsythia is a bright, cheerful shrub that heralds the arrival of spring with its vivid yellow blossoms. It’s also one of the easiest shrubs to propagate from hardwood cuttings, making it a great option for novice gardeners. Fall to winter is the perfect time to take forsythia cuttings, as the plant’s dormancy allows it to conserve energy for rooting.
Take 6-inch cuttings from stems that grew during the current year. Ensure each cutting includes at least one node, as roots will develop from these points. Make an angled cut at the base to encourage better absorption of water and nutrients.
After dipping the cut end in rooting hormone, plant the forsythia cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and place them in a bright, sheltered spot. Forsythia is a vigorous grower, and with the right conditions, the cuttings should root within a few months. For quicker results, consider placing the pots on a seedling heat mat to maintain consistent warmth. Once rooted, these cuttings can be transplanted to the garden in early spring, ensuring a colorful display the following year.
Tips for Successful Hardwood Cuttings
- Use Healthy Stems: Always take cuttings from disease-free plants to increase the chances of successful propagation.
- Choose the Right Tools: Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
- Apply Rooting Hormone: This step is optional but can speed up the rooting process and improve success rates, especially for hardwood cuttings.
- Provide Optimal Conditions: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Bright, indirect light and a warm environment will encourage faster root development.
- Be Patient: Hardwood cuttings take longer to root than softwood cuttings. It may take several months before the cuttings develop enough roots to be transplanted into the garden.
By propagating these five plants through hardwood cuttings this fall, you can enjoy a thriving garden while saving money. Whether you’re expanding your collection of roses or creating a new hedge with forsythia, hardwood cuttings offer a reliable way to multiply your plants and ensure beautiful growth for seasons to come.
